AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Sixteen-year-old Kendall Todd celebrates more than just her birthday this weekend – she marks seven months of renewed life thanks to a heart transplant that transformed her future. Todd, who received her new heart in September 2024, represents hope for the more than 2,600 Michigan residents currently awaiting organ transplants.
Her family is sharing their journey during National Donate Life Month, highlighting the urgent need for organ donors across the state.
Born with a rare heart condition diagnosed at 19 weeks gestation, Todd’s medical journey began before her first breath.
Her father, Damon Todd, shared a list of challenges his youngest daughter had to endure.
“Four open heart surgeries. Cardiac arrest. She suffered a stroke,” Damon Todd explained.
The situation became critical when Kendall turned 13. Her mother, Cewanda Todd, recalled the sobering moment.
“When I saw papers coming back that she’s in cardiac failure, heart failure, I was like… what? That brings it home. Like this is serious,” Cewanda Todd shared.
Read more -- Here’s how you can join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry
While receiving treatment at the University of Michigan, the Todd family connected with Gift of Life Michigan, the state’s federally designated organ and tissue recovery program. After two years on the waiting list, the organization helped match Kendall with a donor heart.
“I felt really happy about it. Being able to get a new heart,” Kendall said, now able to enjoy more normal teenage activities. “It’s been a little difficult staying at home more. But now I’m able to go out a little bit.”
The statistics underscore the urgency: 17 people die each day in the United States while waiting for an organ transplant. Currently, 4.6 million Michiganders have registered as organ donors, but more are needed to help save lives.
Mrs. Todd expresses profound gratitude to her daughter’s donor family. She said, “I want to tell this family thank you, for a selfless act that they did not have to do. But they did it anyway, and their loved one lives on in our daughter.”
As Kendall prepares to celebrate her Sweet 16 this weekend, she offers encouragement to others awaiting transplants.
“It may be difficult, at first. But you will get through it,” Kendall said.
Michigan residents can register as organ donors through the Secretary of State, while filing taxes, or by visiting the Michigan Organ Donor Registry Form | Gift of Life.