After receiving a life-saving double lung transplant, Michigan teacher Jackie Dennis is giving back by helping her students create comfort blankets for organ donor families. Dennis, a special education teacher at Huron High School in New Boston, underwent the transplant in 2020 after a sudden health decline following childbirth. The procedure, a first for Henry Ford Health during the pandemic, gave her a second chance at life thanks to a generous donor.
Since her recovery, Dennis has formed a close bond with her donor’s family, sharing updates on her daughter and students to show the lasting impact of their loved one’s gift. Inspired by her experience, she and her students gathered to make blankets as a way to honor donor families and express gratitude. “It’s so important, and I don’t think they may ever know how big an impact it is,” Dennis said.
Student Riley Lambert, who helped organize the project, was moved by the overwhelming support from classmates. “She’s a really kind person, and I’m glad the whole community has stepped up to help,” Lambert said. For Dennis, the effort is a heartfelt reminder that the gift of organ donation brings both loss and incredible hope.