Give the gift of life: Organ donation in Illinois and northwest Indiana

Registering as an organ and tissue donor can save lives. Help make a difference today.

Join the registry How donation works

Get involved and change lives.

Inspire others to register as organ and tissue donors today.

Get started today

Staff at Pride Parade

Honoring lives, creating hope

Gift of Hope coordinates organ and tissue donation in Illinois and northwest Indiana. Your decision to donate can save many lives. By joining the donor registry, you give hope to thousands of people waiting for life-saving transplants. Your choice to be a donor creates a lasting legacy, turning one person’s generosity into a second chance for others.

Learn more about Gift of Hope

Supporting donor families every step of the way

Resources after donation

We are here to provide resources, guide and support the families of donors after their loved one’s donation—for as long as families seek our support.

Share your story

Donors and their families have the power to inspire others. By sharing a loved one’s story, families celebrate their legacy and encourage others to choose donation.

Attend an event

Connecting with others can be a healing experience. Our events and programs for donor families offer a supportive environment to remember your loved one and celebrate the impact of their gift.

Real people, real impact

Every donation story is unique, powerful and has the potential to change lives. By choosing to become an organ and tissue donor, your story could inspire others and give new life to those waiting for transplants.

Two women looking at each other while standing in a park.
Donor family hold picture of donor man at the Celebration Of Life Greenhouse
Wreath Making Workshop with the Salamanca family
Memorial walk with donor family

Partnering with healthcare professionals to bring positive outcomes

We work closely with healthcare professionals and end-of-life care providers, to ensure compassionate support and resources to make the donation process smooth and respectful for everyone involved.

Icon Hospital

Hospitals

We collaborate with hospitals to ensure a compassionate, respectful and efficient organ and tissue donation process. Together, we can honor donors and support their families.

Icon Lily

Funeral service providers

We partner with funeral service providers to uphold donors' dignity, honor their legacies and comfort their loved ones. Join us in making a meaningful impact.

Medical examiners, coroners, state attorneys and law enforcement

We work with medical examiners, coroners, state attorneys and law enforcement to maintain the highest ethical and legal standards. A thorough forensic investigation and donation can be completed successfully when we work in partnership.

Sean Wilbert was protective of his brother Che’ Wilbert and their brotherly bond continues through the gift of organ donation.

Read more of Sean’s story

“With everything happening in the world now, good people continue to do good deeds. He saved my life, and as a Black man, my brother also offered hope to other people so that their lives could continue too.”

Che’ Wilbert, Organ Recipient

Stories of Hope

Behind every donation is a story of courage, loss and rebirth. Our Stories of Hope and Healing are more than testimonials; they’re tributes to the resilience of the human spirit.

More than 29,000 lives saved

Through the generosity of those who have said “yes” to donation, Gift of Hope has saved the lives of over 29,000 organ transplant recipients and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands more through tissue donation. Join us in offering hope to the thousands of people waiting for a compassionate donor to give them another chance at life. 

Join the registry

lives saved by every one donor
0
lives or more improved through tissue donation
0
Illinois and Indiana residents waiting for an organ donor to save their life
0

Say yes to saving lives.

One click today can save lives tomorrow.

Join the registry

Community Outreach Drivers License cutout