OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center recently filed a request to join Gift of Hope's network. By incorporating Gift of Hope’s successful processes and outreach network, Saint Anthony Medical Center believes it can increase organ donation rates, reduce wait times and help more patients.
But we need your help! Click here to send an e-mail showing your support for more equitable treatment for Illinois patients and higher organ donation rates.
Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network is proud to serve as the federally
designated not-for-profit agency that coordinates organ and tissue donation
and supports families of donors in the northern three-quarters of Illinois and
northwest Indiana.
Angelique Marseille's Story
Angelique and her husband, McKinley
In 1992, Angelique Marseille found herself lying in a hospital bed dying of liver failure and wondering how and why it was happening to her. Today, she is married, a mother of two children, a Donate Life Illinois volunteer, a chapter leader for Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network’s African-American Task Force, and an 18-year liver donation recipient.
Angelique was 23 years old and a third-year college student when she was diagnosed with end-stage liver failure due to idiopathic autoimmune cirrhosis. At the time, she was given 10 days or less to live without a transplant. Like it would for most people, the devastating news caused her anger, depression and fear. “I was so scared, angry and confused as to why this was happening to me. I thought, ‘I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs and I am a pretty good person, so why me?’” Angelique questioned.
Chicago Fire Midfielder Stars in Gift of Hope’s New Spanish-Language Commercial
In Gift of Hope’s latest Spanish-language commercial, famed Chicago Fire midfielder Marco Pappa not only dreams of making the winning goal but of becoming a champion. Fire fans can also become champions by setting a goal of saving and enhancing lives through organ and tissue donation. Pappa asks fans to join the Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Registry and discuss organ and tissue donation with family and friends.
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Three-Year-Old Saves Four Lives Thanks to Jose Salvador Soto’s parents’ selfless decision to donate their 3-year-old son’s organs, four people received a second chance at life. To read how one young Hispanic boy saved lives, and how his family made the selfless decision, click here.
Defender Names Gift of Hope Employee Woman of Excellence for Community Efforts
Carolyn Vazquez, Gift of Hope’s Community Affairs Specialist, was named a Woman of Excellence by the Chicago Defender in April 2010. Read about her extraordinary community efforts here.
You Can Be a Donor Did you know that practically anyone, regardless of age, race or sex—or many health conditions—can become an organ and tissue donor? One of the biggest myths about organ donation is that people with diabetes can’t be organ donors. Not true! Find out why here.
Heart Recipient Climbs the Hancock For years Melissa Simon’s heart disease prevented her from doing any strenuous activity. But thanks to her new heart and the generosity of her organ donor, Chloe Coleman, Melissa was able to climb to the top of the John Hancock building. Read more about her story here.
Waves of Hope Memorial Medical Center in Springfield honors its organ/tissue donors and their families every time a donation is made by raising a Donate Life flag. To read more about this remarkable tribute, click here.
