LifeCenter Northwest, the organ procurement organization serving Washington, Alaska, Montana, and North Idaho, facilitated the donation of 1,134 life-saving organs from a record 437 deceased donors in 2024, including 95 donors over the age of 60.
Through innovation, dedicated staff, strong hospital partnerships, community outreach and the altruism and generosity of donors and donor families, the nonprofit facilitated the saving of 1,070 lives through the gift of organ donation in 2024.
“Each donor’s gift is a testament to selflessness and compassion. This donor milestone reflects our commitment to honor every opportunity for donation, because no one should die waiting for an organ transplant,” said Santokh Gill, president and CEO of LifeCenter Northwest.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, the United Network for Organ Sharing reported that over 100,000 Americans are on the organ transplant waiting list, including 2,031 patients in our region.
In addition to organ donations, 485 deceased donors provided healing tissues such as bones, heart valves, skin, and blood vessels. These donations support vital medical procedures, from replacing faulty heart valves in children to aiding burn recovery and offering reconstructive surgery to mastectomy patients.
LifeCenter Northwest also extends support to grieving families, offering counseling, bereavement support, and opportunities to honor their loved ones before and after donation through storytelling and remembrance events.
Donor family members like Laura and Todd Goldsmith, whose 18-year-old daughter Madeline was tragically killed in a case of mistaken identity. Madeline saved five lives and healed countless others as an organ and tissue donor.
The Goldsmith family received letters from three of their daughter’s organ recipients, confirming the profound impact of Madeline’s choice.
“She’s a hero,” said Laura Goldsmith. “I had no idea how rare organ donation is, and it’s meaningful to know that some good came from our tragedy.”
Donor Hero
Madeline Goldsmith
Since its founding in 1997, LifeCenter Northwest has grown significantly, increasing its annual organ recoveries from 254 to over 1,070 in 2024.
“Our work is far from done,” said Gill. “We remain driven to save more lives, support families, and improve services so that the gift of donation can bring hope and healing to even more people.”
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