Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network

On World Kindness Day, we recognize the incredible kindness of registered organ donors, living donors and donor families in giving the gift of life and hope. 💜#ThankYou Learn more and register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at giftofhope.org #SayYestoDonation #GiftofHope #DonateLife

For over 30 years, Chief Warrant Officer Five Julian Evans, served the nation honorably. Julian was known and respected by his colleagues as a selfless leader who always placed the needs of his family, soldiers, leadership, and fellow Warrant Officers before himself. Julian dedicated his life to serving his country and his family. Even after his passing, he served others by donating his corneas so two people could receive the gift of restored eyesight. Josie, his wife and U.S. Army Veteran, shares their journey and decision to donate. Thank you Eye Bank Association of America for sharing this inspiring story. Visit giftofhope.org to learn more about donation and how you can register your decision to be a life-giving donor. #EyeDonationMonth #SayYestoDonation

Did you know? Every major religion in the United States supports organ donation as one of the highest expressions of compassion and generosity. November is Gift of Hope Faith & Hope Month, a time to learn about faith-based perspectives on organ, eye, and tissue donation. Together with faith leaders, hospitals and community partners throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana, we encourage everyone to “Say Yes” to donation by registering as a life-giving donor. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gsKs8puQ #SayYestoDonation

Our first ever Gift of Hope Community Foundation 5K Run, Walk & Roll was a success! 🎉 The day was filled with community spirit, all coming together to show support for saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. The event raised more than $100,000 for Gift of Hope programs including education, research and development and support resources for donor families. Thank you to our sponsors, community partners, donor families, ambassadors, volunteers, Gift of Hope staff and everyone who participated to show support. 🗓️ Ready for our 2nd Annual Gift of Hope Community Foundation 5K Run, Walk & Roll? Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025! We can't wait to see you there. To learn more about the Foundation visit giftofhope.org/give

October is National Liver Awareness Month! More than 9,000 adults and children in the US are waiting for a life-saving liver transplant—including 350 in Illinois and Indiana. You can help. Learn more about donation and register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at giftofhope.org #SayYestoDonation #DonateLife #GiftofHope

We’re thrilled to celebrate the success of the Gift of Hope Community Foundation’s Inaugural 5K Run, Walk & Roll! What a heartwarming day filled with inspiring stories and community spirit. Thank you to all of our event attendees, generous sponsors and Gift of Hope staff who helped make this event possible! Please join us in congratulating our award winners: ◼ Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, our Grand Marshal and recipient of our 2024 State Champion Award ◼ WGN-TV's Lourdes Duarte, our event Emcee and recipient of our 2024 Community Champion Award ◼ Program Manager of the ILSOS Organ Donor Registry Daniel Lietz, accepting the 2024 Jesse White Leadership Achievement Award on behalf of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias And all the winners of the 2024 Life Changing Awards presented to individuals, families, or groups who help advance Gift of Hope’s mission to save and enhance lives in measurable ways: 💜 Kyle Zuleg Foundation 💜 Live LaMore Foundation 💜 Tony Capozziello/Tony’s Par-Tee 💜 Mason Wasz Foundation 💜 Tristen Scott Foundation We extend a special thank you to Illinois State Representative Nabeela Syed and President of Harper College Dr. Avis Proctor for joining us in celebration. Here’s to many more joyful celebrations ahead! Learn more about the Gift of Hope Community Foundation at giftofhope.org/give

Last week we hosted a #HispanicHeritageMonth Cultural Leader Panel for our staff moderated by Janet Dominguez, Gift of Hope Community Outreach Manager/Director of Illinois Transplant Fund. The panel engaged in dynamic conversation around Hispanic and Latino heritage and traditions. Thank you to Cesar Lostaunau, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Anywhere Real Estate, Inc., and Juan Rangel, Executive Director of The Urban Center Next Gen Metropolitan Leadership Institute for sharing their perspectives on Hispanic and Latino identity and experience in leading community initiatives. #GiftofHope #DonateLife

Congratulations to Gift of Hope Allocation Coordinators Norberto Perez and Jessica Ortiz, and Supervisor of Allocation Services Kate McGarry (not pictured) for receiving the Knocked It Out of The Park Awards this month for going above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment and passion towards Gift of Hope's mission to save lives. Thank you for all that you do! About the award: Throughout the year we celebrate Gift of Hope team members who let their talents shine—making significant contributions to the benefit of our organization, staff, partners and donor families. #GiftofHope #DonateLife #SayYestoDonation

In the United States, Latinos and Hispanics bear a disproportionate impact from health conditions that can lead to organ failure, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Currently, more than 23,000 Latino/Hispanic adults and children are on the national transplant waiting list, with 88% of them waiting for a life-saving kidney. You can help. 💜 Learn the facts about organ, eye and tissue donation and register your decision to be a life-giving donor at giftofhope.org #SayYestoDonation #HispanicHeritageMonth #DonateLife

We are grateful to everyone who stopped by our table at the Brookfield Zoo Hispanic Heritage Fest this weekend! A big thank you to our Community Outreach Specialist Luis Ortega and Gift of Hope Ambassadors Adrian Charniak and Lexty Rueda for engaging the community and providing education about organ, eye and tissue donation. Learn more about donation and how you can register as a life-giving donor at giftofhope.org #HispanicHeritageMonth #SayYestoDonation #DonateLife