Gift of Life Donor Medal
The Gift of Life Donor Medal is a commemoration for heroes: those who gave the gift of life through organ, eye or tissue donation. These medals are presented to donor families as a symbol that their loved one's selfless decision to give to others will never be forgotten.
Each year the lives of thousands of men, women and children are saved or greatly improved through the miracle of transplantation. The true heroes behind this miracle are the donors who gave the gift of life and the families who made it possible. Words cannot possibly express the gratitude of those whose lives have been helped.
For this reason the Gift of Life Donor medal was established. It was created as a remembrance for those who helped improve the lives of others through organ, eye or tissue donation and designed as a keepsake or to be places on the memorial market at the cemetery.
The medal’s designer, Kathryn Kochanowski of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, described the inspiration and meaning for the design:
The Gift of Life Donor touches and gives new life to others. The donor touches the hand of the recipient, and passes on the precious gift of life (the heart) and love (the rose). This magnificent and honorable giving of oneself is illustrated in the rays extending from the heart.