Portage Northern High School graduate Tristan Johnson endured months of grueling dialysis before a young donor’s gift of a kidney gave him his life back. Tristan is honoring his gift and his donor by living life to the fullest.
that organ and tissue donation saves the lives of patients just like him.” Tristan is now a 19-year-old freshman at Arcadia University in Pennsylvania and he’s playing lacrosse for the Knights. The offensive midfielder shares his story with new friends and teammates hoping his experience will inspire them to register if they aren’t already. “Gift of Life has been such a big part of my life. What I went through made me understand just how important it is to be a registered
donor,” Tristan said, adding that he wants his donor to be proud. “I have pledged to honor my donor’s gift, take care of my kidney and live life to the fullest.” He says it takes just a few minutes so sign up: “It really can make a big difference.”
donate $5 to its foundation for every point scored or assist recorded. Tristan led the Portage Northern Huskies deep into the state playoffs. A whole lot of points were scored, and assists were plenty. The high schooler raised $2,640 to pay for important programs that promote the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. “Tristan is an inspiring young man with a great story,” said Susan Rink, Gift of Life’s chief of philanthropy and foundation programs. “We will use the money to share the message
To sign up on the Donor Registry, visit golm.org/register .
Watch Tristan’s story golm.org/lacrosse .
“If I could talk to my donor I would just say, ‘Thank you.’ I would make a promise to do what I can to spread the word about donation. And I would let him know I am honoring his gift.”
LifeLINES | 2023
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