LifeSource

10/20/2026

Last Friday on Voices of Carlton County, WKLK/WMOZ Radio host and LifeSource Ambassador, Dwight Cadwell, interviewed Paula St John about the work LifeSource does with Tribal Nations in our service area.

The conversation focused on what is being done to advance culturally responsive organ donation education with Tribal Nations, including updated educational materials and community stories, culturally relevant brochures, grief support packages with traditional medicines, and redesigned family approach materials informed by Native American Community Connectors.

Thank you Paula and Dwight for the great conversation!

10/16/2026

During the last LifeSource All Team Meeting, we got to hear how tissue donation has directly impacted the lives of three of our team members. As tissue recipients, they share a unique perspective on donation that influences the work they do every day. They choose to show up with care, passion and heart, because they know firsthand how life-changing donation is.

Thank you all for sharing your stories!

10/14/2026

"I was diagnosed in 1995 with FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis). I had lost 70% of both of my kidneys’ function at diagnosis. There was no apparent reason to explain it. Single mother of three boys, Alejandro, William, and Christopher, I was terrified thinking I wasn't going to be around to raise them. On 12/14/2006, I received my son's Alejandro kidney. A 20-year old kidney for my 41-year-old body. I wouldn't have chosen to put my son through surgery, but he convinced me because "he wanted, was able, and wasn’t afraid of doing it.” Living donation can save lives because, thank God, we all can live with only one kidney." - Alexandra Herrera, Kidney recipient

Thank you to New England Donor Services and Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation for sharing Alexandra's story!

10/09/2026

LifeSource had the opportunity to table at the NDSU football Homecoming Tailgate last Weekend!

The event is estimated to have drawn 20,000 people to the FargoDome parking lot on Saturday morning. There were many great conversations and interactions with Bison fans from both sides of the Red River.

We also had the opportunity to connect with individuals who had been personally impacted by donation and stopped by to express their gratitude.

One was Dylan, who lifted the sleeve of his sweatshirt to show a tattoo he got to honor his mother who became a donor in March. And Sharon, who shared that she was able to spend ten extra years with her dad thanks to his heart donor.

To say it was a heartwarming day is an understatement. Many thanks to everyone who made this happen. Go Bison!

10/07/2026

Four years after his daughter received a life-saving kidney transplant, Carlos was faced with the shocking news that he needed a liver transplant. His wife, Frances, shares how two selfless gifts saved her family.

"This Hispanic Heritage Month, as we celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic community, we also want to shine a light on a powerful act of love and solidarity: organ donation.

Meet Carlos, a 56-year-old father who received a life-saving liver transplant in January. His diagnosis of liver cancer came as a complete shock to his family—a diagnosis no one ever sees coming. But for Carlos’s family, navigating the world of organ transplantation was heartbreakingly familiar. Just four years prior, his teenage daughter was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease and received a life-saving kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

Today, because of two separate, selfless gifts from deceased organ donors, Carlos's family remains whole and full of hope.

Within the Hispanic community, cultural stigmas, misconceptions, and systemic barriers often prevent individuals from registering as organ donors, leading to lower rates of available matches. We rarely consider the possibility that someone in our own community—or even our own family—might need a second chance at life when we are gone. Yet, matching organ characteristics are often far more common among individuals of the same ethnic background.

You have the power to bridge this gap. This month, consider registering as an organ donor, talking with your loved ones about your decision, and sharing this story to help break down barriers.

Give hope. Save lives. Become an organ donor today."

10/06/2026

10/01/2026

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Join us as we celebrate the strength, culture, and generosity of the Hispanic community—and recognizing why our support matters. Hispanic/Latino communities are disproportionately affected by conditions that can lead to organ failure, and thousands of Hispanic/Latino patients are currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

“Unidos, Somos Más,” the theme for this year, celebrates the strength that comes from unity, shared culture, and collective action. It recognizes the diversity within Hispanic and Latino communities while emphasizing how connection, representation, and collaboration can strengthen communities and create lasting impact.

Thank you to the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation for your dedication to elevating voices in the diverse communities we serve.

09/29/2026

Last week we celebrated the 31st Annual LifeSource Golf Classic! It was an inspiring day and we didn't let the cold weather ruin the fun. Together, we raised over $170,000 in funds to increase awareness of organ donation across our service area!

Thank you to all who made this day possible. To our Tournament Sponsor, Aviation Charter, and all of this year’s sponsors - thank you for your generosity and support! The same is true for the numerous volunteers and contributors to this year’s event. We couldn’t accomplish any of this without you - we are so grateful.

Photo's coming soon, so keep an eye out!

To learn more about the event and see the full list of sponsors, visit https://www.life-source.org/golfclassic/

09/29/2026

On 9/11, a healthcare worker got clearance to fly a plane to save a baby’s life. 25 Years Later, the pair finally met.

During the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shut down the national airspace so no ordinary civilian or commercial flights were allowed to fly, only military, police, firefighting and medical transport flights. Among those was one that got clearance thanks to a healthcare worker, who helped save a baby’s life.

Jill Grandas was able to defy the national ground stop and get a plane in the air to deliver a liver to a 6-month-old, Kareena, who had been dying of liver failure at the time. Now, 25 years later, Grandas and Kareena finally met in person for the first time.

“I felt so desperate to convey how grateful I am for her selflessness, her dedication and her kindness,” Kareena said

Check out the whole story from People

A healthcare worker helped a six-month-old girl get a liver transplant during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, despite the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutting down the national airspace. Jill Grandas saved the life of now-25-year-old Kareena, who had been dying of liver failure...

09/23/2026

Each year, we are invited to present at the Minnesota Deputy Registrar's Association Annual Meeting. It was held last Friday and we were joined by Sonja Dalbey, who had the opportunity to share how organ donation has changed her life and express her gratitude for everyone who helped make it happen.

Motor Vehicle Partners play a vital role in saving lives every day. Did you know that over 90% of people register to become a donor at the DMV? This is one of the first steps in making donation happen and we couldn't do this work without them.

Thank you to all of our motor vehicle partners for the work you do and for all of the lives you have impacted.

** can't forget to mention the amazing shoes Sonja wore