A Place Of Comfort And Hope

Bridge to Life, a partner who specializes in preservation solution for the transportation of organs, has sponsored the new Gallery of Hope at Lifebanc.

The gallery is the perfect finishing touch on the Donor Family Comfort Room, located in the new Lifebanc Donor Care Facility. The comfort room will allow families to be as close as possible to their loved-one throughout the donation process.

The gallery features the work of two artists touched by organ, eye and tissue donation. The series of paintings hung on the beige wall, were created by Marlene Lewis. Marlene’s sister was a recipient of a heart-lung transplant and inspired her to create these beautiful pieces. On the blue wall is a newly created work of art called “Possibilities” by artist Niki Litts, whose life was saved by a liver transplant decades ago.

Aaron Gilchrist, Global Business Development Director for Bridge to Life commented: “I have had the great opportunity to help design each of the pieces over the years with the artists whose lives were directly impacted by organ transplantation and each piece has a specific meaning.”

“The artwork brings a sense of calm and beauty to the comfort room where donor families will spend time while their loved-ones are giving the gift of life. What a beautiful tribute, by the artists, to these families and the impact their loved-one is making,” said Lifebanc CEO, Gordon Bowen.

Lifebanc invited a few friends to help celebrate the completion of the gallery and the hope it represents to those waiting for a life-saving transplant. Marlene and Jessica Shay, Carolyn Galish as well as Linda Corea, donor family members attended the small gathering.

Also joining the celebration was Tania Markarian, Lifebanc Board Member and recent top fundraiser for the Gift of Life Walk & Run, Debra Cooper, Chief Quality and Regulatory Officer, Heather Mekesa, Chief Hospital and Clinical Services Officer and Colleen Murnane, Lifebanc Board Member.

Thanks to Bridge to Life, the Donor Family Comfort Room will truly be a starting point for healing and hope for these hero families.

Stories

The stories of our donor and recipient families are powerful, moving celebrations of life, hope, and love that get to the heart of why we do what we do, and the difference we can all make. Lifebanc believes that anyone can be a hero – and we see it every day in the generous decisions of people and families who choose and support organ and tissue donation. We’d like you to meet some of these heroes, and some of the Northeast Ohio neighbors they are helping.

See All Stories

Roy Allen

Roy Allen

Patiently waiting for the gift of a kidney to save his life. See Roy Allen's Story
Luke

Luke

A champion, warrior and bravest of all. See Luke's Story
Marva & Ken

Marva & Ken

She always supported organ donation, but didn't think it would hit home. See Marva & Ken's Story

Our mission is to heal & save lives, and despite the circumstances, our team continues to make every effort to ensure fulfillment of our mission.

All donation and transplantation work will continue as usual.

Programming, in-person meetings and external events are on-hold until further notice.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will deliver updates via social media, our website, and email communications as things progress.

Thank you for your continued support of Lifebanc and our community.