Search this site

Initiatives Driven by our commitment to educate, connect, and advocate, the Transplant Life Foundation leads powerful programs that transform the transplantation world. From producing the Transplant Games of America , the world's largest celebration of life, to publishing TransplantNATION Magazine and cultivating real-time support inside the Transplant Community HUB , our key initiatives work together to raise awareness, honor donors, and elevate voices across the globe. Transplant Games of America As the world’s largest celebration of life, this biennial six-day event unites the entire donation and transplantation community through 20 athletic competitions and over 45 special events. The Games foster deep community connections, showcase the transformative power of donation, and actively promote living donation and national donor registries. Learn More TransplantNATION Magazine TransplantNATION is a bi-monthly, 68-page publication dedicated to inspiring, educating, and connecting the global organ, eye, and tissue donation community. Designed for recipients, donor families, living donors, and medical professionals alike, every issue delivers compelling human-interest stories, key healthcare insights, and vital resources right to your fingertips. Learn More Subscribe Today > Digital Subscriber Log-in > Transplant Community HUB The Transplant Community Hub is your dedicated online home built exclusively for the donation and transplantation community. Designed as a safe, private space, it gives recipients, living donors, waiting-list candidates, caregivers, and medical professionals a secure environment to ask questions, share personal stories, and build meaningful, lifelong connections. Learn More

Dylan Flew Norwalk, OH Team Ohio August 09, 1985 - July 31, 2006 Dylan Saved 5 Lives! Our son Dylan became an organ and tissue donor in July of 2006, saving five lives and enhancing the lives of almost 80 others!! He lived his life with NO REGRETS, his life motto! Never forgotten, our true hero!!

Kenneth Sapp Auburn, NY Team Finger Lakes March 17, 1986 - January 25, 2004 A Life Full of Love Several months after Kenneth William Sapp was born, his parents were told that he had hypotonic quadraparesis and that he would never walk, talk or do anything a “normal” child could do. But he was a beautiful boy with eyes that were a window to his beautiful soul. He loved life and all who entered into his. Kenneth loved any and all animals. Over the years, he had many: guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, snakes and mice. But his best buddy was his greyhound, JD, who was known to stand over and protect Kenneth while he was lying on the floor playing. Kenneth also loved listening to music, whether it was at church or watching his videos. His favorite movie was “The Little Mermaid,” and Ariel was his favorite girl. Through the Children’s Wish Foundation (now New Hope for Kids) and Give Kids the World, (for which he appeared in a print ad and TV commercial), Kenneth visited Walt Disney World annually. Our family moved to New York from Florida in 2003 to be closer to family. We enjoyed our first Christmas with our NY relatives. Then, on Jan. 25, 2004, 17 year-old Kenneth passed away from meningitis and became an organ donor. After his death, we were introduced to the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network. I found support for my grief and began helping with fundraisers and activities with other donor families. We are now involved with The Donor Family Network in Central New York and our family looks forward to attending our 8th U.S. Transplant Games in 2018.

Chris Wilson Newport, DE Team Philadelphia July 20, 1980 - March 11, 1999 Always A Giver Chris was 18 when he died. He was such a loving, caring person from early childhood. He always shared whatever he had with his 2 brothers, his sister and his friends. Even though he was 7 years younger than his sister, he was very protective of her. He was our family clown, telling jokes and talking in animal voices to make us laugh. Anytime I was sad, he would hug me and tell me a crazy story to make me laugh. Chris was always be missed and loved. If not for his wish to be an organ donor, I would probably still be in a dark place today. Because of him, my purpose in life is to spread awareness for the need for more donors.

Caleb Roch Champaign, IL Team Illinois August 27, 1987 - June 18, 2008 Honorary Police Officer Caleb Mitchell Roch #7H21 From a very young age, Caleb knew that he wanted to be a Champaign Police Officer and he set his sights on just that, preparing himself for officer testing, studying criminal justice, and volunteering with CPD in various capacities. Very unfortunately, Caleb’s life was taken in a motorcycle crash two months before he reached officer eligibility. In honoring Caleb’s life Chief Anthony Cobb stated, “In memory of Caleb Roch's unwavering support and dedicated desire to serve at the pleasure of the Champaign community as a law enforcement officer, the Champaign Police Department hereby proclaims badge number '7H21’ to be designated to Honorary Police Officer Caleb Mitchell Roch.”

Bradley Wenneberg Chandler, AZ August 08, 1995 - June 17, 2015 Forever Young My donor was only 20 years old, I've never met his family they happen to live in Utah. The family are my hero's, they gave me the gift of life when Bradley could no longer sustain life. The family made the decision to give others the gift of life and on June 17, 2015 I received a double lung transplant from Bradley. Bradley is his name, but he went by the name Vegas. He was in love with Harley motorcycles and could drive a semi by the age of 13. He would of gave the shirt off his back to anyone. He had just turned 20 may 8 . Forever Young is our motto but at his funeral we played Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa "Till We See You Again." His four year old sister who will never really remember him, called him Bubby. They were attached at the hip. He was so proud of his little sister but she always wants to hear that song and sends him balloons often. She was just about to turn 3 when all this happened.

Julie Shepherd Jefferson City, MT December 21, 1999 - January 29, 2017 A Giving Life We continue to honor Julie's life that was well spent, but much too short for us. Julie was a wonderful, caring, thoughtful person and we miss her dearly every day, but we are truly grateful that, in her passing, she was able to improve the lives of so many people through her donations.

Spencer Perkins Columbus, MS Team Mississippi January 17, 1993 - September 17, 2010 LIVE, LOVE, DONATE Follower of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Believed in loving one another as he loves us. Loved the outdoors, respected nature and loved Mother Earth as his play ground. Had a way to light up the room with his smile and warm caring words. Loved his family with all his heart and soul. Never met a stranger so had so many wonderful friends who loved him. Donated his time to help others and was first to volunteer when needed.

Denton Miller Carrollton, MO Team MO-KAN February 17, 1989 - October 10, 2006 Son, Brother, Friend. . . loved and forever missed Denton was 17, 6 4 ½, size 15 shoe and still growing. He was a senior, student body president, in National Honor Society, president of DECA, recorder for FBLA, in show choir, in the musical, on the golf team, basketball team and a junior facilitator for MO Leadership Seminar. At school he had earned the name Mr. C since he was not able to play football due to four knee surgeries; he would paint his upper body red with a big white C on his chest and cheer at games. He had already been accepted to Northwest MO State University, where he had received an invitation to try out for their show choir, he was working on his time on a two mile run as he wanted to try out for their cross-country team, he had already received a scholarship and had decided on the degree that the wanted to pursue. When we made the decision for Denton to be a donor we did it as a way to represent Denton’s positive attitude and love for those around him, as his friends would say that he always put others first, and as a way to turn this tragic event into something positive – the fact that Denton was able to be an organ donor and save three lives. We try to do positive things to honor Denton – and to spread the word about organ donation through works. I want to close by sharing a phrase that was important to Denton and a reflection of how he lived his life: Do what makes you happy Be with who makes you smile Laugh as much as you breathe And love as long as you live.

Bruce Dequan Garrison Jr. Newberry, SC Team South Carolina January 08, 1982 - October 16, 2015 Always In Our Heart Bruce Dequan Garrison Jr. (aka “Quan”) MY FIRST BORN SON…was known for his infectious laughter, warm appealing smile and that special cool appearance he held by the way he dressed and walk. Quan was the type of man that cherished family and friendships with those he called friend, especially his daughter Tatianna, whom he loved very much.

Cameron Burleson Round Rock, TX Team Louisiana December 24, 1989 - January 01, 2009 Beloved Cameron was a light to many the second he smiled. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend. He is loved and dearly missed by all. His legacy of light and love will never be forgotten!

The Transplant Life Foundation’s initiatives serve the Donation and Transplant Community through a series of special events, programming and educational services, and advocate for thousands of individuals in need. Bold Advocacy. Lifelong Connection. One Transplant Community. Welcome to the Transplant Life Foundation Dedicated to championing the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Since 2011, the Transplant Life Foundation has served as the nation’s leading advocacy organization for the donation and transplantation community, building a powerful nationwide movement for recipients, living donors, donor families, waiting candidates, caregivers, and medical professionals. Who We Are Our Mission Transplant Life Foundation unites the donation and transplant community to educate, inspire, and transform lives — advancing public understanding of transplantation and strengthening the national donor movement. Our Vision A future where donation and transplantation are widely valued, donor generosity is honored, and every individual touched by this community finds hope, resources, and connection. Make a Difference. Your gift powers life-saving advocacy, honors donor legacies, and helps athletes celebrate their second chance at life. Give Today