At Transplant Alliance, we understand the profound financial burdens that families face when navigating major medical challenges, particularly those associated with organ transplantation. During our own transplant journey, we met countless individuals walking similar paths—waiting to be listed, hoping for the life-changing call of a donor match, adjusting to new medication regimens, and trying to regain a sense of normalcy.

Yet, beyond these shared experiences lies a difficult reality: the immense financial toll of surgery, recovery, and lifelong medical care. Conversations again and again returned to the same issue—co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses that families struggle to meet.

We believe it is our responsibility to support those in need by fundraising, conducting charitable gaming, and granting financial assistance to help alleviate these costs. Someone once said “yes” to organ donation, and that act of generosity saved our family. That gift of life continues to inspire our mission to help others.

Our Goal

Our foremost goal is to assist as many individuals and families as possible through our medical grant fund. For us, this work is not about numbers or fundraising totals—it is about the lives we touch and the meaningful difference we can make. Our purpose is simple: to help you and your loved ones return to health without the weight of transplant-related expenses.

How We Support Families

Our primary fundraising strategy is charitable gaming. Funds raised through our Bingo Hall are dedicated directly to our medical grant fund. Over the years, this model has allowed us to help numerous families with co-pays, lodging, travel, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to transplantation.

Although we are a small organization within the broader charitable landscape, we strive to make an outsized impact by keeping our overhead low. We partner with local businesses and individuals who share our mission and understand the urgent need to support transplant families.

Our Life Partner Program consists of businesses and corporations that provide ongoing financial support for our mission. In addition to our Life Partners, hundreds of smaller businesses generously contribute to our efforts.

Our Story

Our journey began in 1998 when our co-founder and president, Mary Jo Lovely, received the devastating news that her husband had passed away. Soon after, she received a call from the Gift of Life, asking whether she wished to honor her husband’s wish to be an organ donor. This moment shaped Mary’s lifelong commitment to organ donation advocacy.

Years later, Mary faced her own medical crisis when she became critically ill and required supplemental oxygen. Doctors informed her that she would not survive without a lung transplant. After two years on the transplant waiting list, she received the call that would save her life: *“We have a donor.”*

This transformative gift inspired Mary to establish Transplant Alliance, combining her experiences as both a donor family member and a transplant recipient to support others navigating similar challenges.

Mary’s journey continued with resilience—three years after her transplant, she experienced organ rejection, and five years later, she underwent a second lung transplant. Her strength and determination fuel our organization, reminding us daily why our mission matters.

Our Leadership

Danielle, Executive Director, brings more than ten years of fundraising management experience and over twenty years as a donor family member. She oversees all organizational operations and serves as the primary point of contact for our programs. Danielle brings her mothers (Mary) love and passion to the table with everything she does.

Ken, Board Chairman, is a retired business professional whose expertise ensures our finances are managed responsibly and efficiently. His oversight helps us maintain strong systems for charitable giving and organizational sustainability.

Together, our board is united by a single purpose: to expand the reach of our medical grant fund and assist as many families as possible.

Our Early Work and Growth

Before forming Transplant Alliance, Mary, Ken, and Danielle dedicated themselves to charitable giving on a personal level. Danielle helped individuals meet fundraising goals through Help Hope Live, while Mary and Ken volunteered with the Gift of Life. The team also donated to the Gift of Life Family House and Help Hope Live and organized community fundraisers in support of transplant families.

Shortly after founding Transplant Alliance, we began generating sufficient revenue to broaden our charitable impact. Despite this growth, we have remained committed to the values that started our journey.

Today, our fundraising efforts—supported by our bingo community, partners, and donors—stand as a testament to what passion, generosity, and perseverance can achieve. Together, they form an American charity success story.