Giving the Gift of Life | First Placenta Donation in the Upper Peninsula

September Brawley and her newborn daughter, Lena, gave a unique gift to others on the day she was born. They were the first family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to give the gift of life through placenta donation at UP Health System – Marquette. And at a mighty 6 lbs., 14 oz., Lena is already a trailblazer in our community. 

"While I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to do something with the placenta post-birth that could make a difference in the lives of others," stated September. "I wasn't sure of my options, so I researched and came across Gift of Life Michigan, where I was thrilled to learn about donation. The placenta helped my daughter grow and live and now it can be used to help other people in our community, too — hopefully, my story will inspire others to do the same."  

The placenta is rich in nutrients and has unique healing properties. Donated placental membranes are most often used to heal traumatic wounds and diabetic ulcers that are difficult to heal. Medical researchers and providers can use the placenta to help patients with eye injuries and diseases, spinal and dental procedures, and sports injuries. 

“As a hospital, we always strive to be forward-thinking when it comes to implementing programs that continue to advance our mission of making communities healthier,” said Anne Loman, RN, director, Family Birthing Center & Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UP Health System – Marquette. “Expanding our current Gift of Life program to include placenta donation is a natural next step in our collaboration. We are thrilled to help families who are welcoming their newborns to now be able to make a difference in someone else’s life by donating their placenta.”

The baby’s umbilical cord and placenta — normally discarded after birth — can easily be donated. The child’s birth is unaffected, and there is no risk to the mother or the baby. The placenta technically belongs to the baby, making him or her the donor.

"This has been a wonderful experience," said September. "Everyone from the Family Birthing Center has been so helpful and caring every step of the way. Lena and I received the best care imaginable."

"Placenta donation gives families a chance to talk about donation without the stress and trauma of loss," said Dorrie Dils, president and CEO, Gift of Life Michigan. “Many other families only have the opportunity to donate organs and tissue when they’re grieving—placenta donation happens at a joyful time. Lena already has a legacy of helping patients live better lives. We can’t thank UP Health System – Marquette and the Family Birthing Center enough for this new partnership, which promises to make a difference for many.”

One person has the power to save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal 75 more through eye and tissue donation. To learn more or register to become a donor in Michigan, visit GiftofLifeMichigan.org. To sign up on a different state registry, visit DonateLife.net. 

For more information about the Family Birthing Center at UP Health System – Marquette, visit our website. Need a provider? Visit UPHealthSystem.com and click on the Find a Provider tab. 

About Gift of Life Michigan
Gift of Life Michigan is a federally designated organ procurement organization that serves the state of Michigan as the intermediary between donors, their families, and hospital staff. In collaboration with Eversight, Gift of Life provides all services necessary for organ, eye, and tissue donation. For more information, or to sign up on the Donor Registry, visit www.golm.org.