State Rep. Parker Fairbairn today led the House passage of a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as National Donate Life Month in Michigan. Organ donation is deeply personal to Fairbairn, whose brother Chase received a life-saving heart transplant.

“My brother was 16 years old when he received a life-saving transplant,” said Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs. “Before that gift, he waited 478 days for a heart – 478 days of uncertainty, hope, and resilience. In the midst of unimaginable loss, another family made the most courageous and selfless decision: to give the gift of life to a stranger, and it changed everything for our family.

“This week marks 10 years since my brother’s transplant – 10 years made possible by that one decision. Because of it, my brother is living a full life, pursuing his passions and contributing in meaningful ways. Our gratitude is something we carry every day. This resolution honors those who have given that gift, supports those still waiting, and reminds each of us of the extraordinary impact one decision can make.”

More than 4.6 million Michigan residents have joined the state’s organ donor registry. A single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, while tissue and cornea donations can help an average of 75 people – and up to 125 in some cases.

Fairbairn partnered with Gift of Life Michigan to introduce and pass the resolution through the state House.

“I thank the Michigan House of Representatives for designating April as Donate Life Month, a time to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors and their families,” said Dorrie Dils, President and CEO of Gift of Life Michigan. “This month is also a call to action for the rest of us. The best way to save the lives of the 2,700 Michiganders waiting for a life-saving organ transplant is for each of us to say yes to saving a life someday after death, and to document that decision by adding our name to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.”

###