Bennie Marshall is passionate about bringing the message of donation to the African-American community. The liver transplant that saved his life is proof to him that “donation is non-discriminate.”

Bennie's Story

In June 2000, Bennie Marshall, was in critical need of a liver transplant due to a rare disease. His expected survival time was down to a matter of days.

“I was counting the hours and praying for a miracle,” said Bennie, now 52. “Fortunately, through the generosity of an anonymous donor, I was lifted up to a new life by organ donation. “Since I was so blessed to be given a second chance at life, I decided to volunteer with Gift of Hope’s African-American Task Force so that I could help educate the public about organ donation.”

Bennie is passionate about bringing this message to the African-American community. He enjoys sharing his personal story at schools, churches, hospitals and community events, and dispelling the myths and misconceptions regarding donation. “For instance, many African-Americans believe that ‘we are the first to give and the last to receive organ donation,’” said Bennie. “I am living proof that donation is non-discriminate; I was on the transplant waiting list for only 26 days.”

Bennie is very appreciative of his second chance. He enjoys spending time with his family and his job with one of the nation’s largest airlines. He is also very proud that he is helping to raise the children of a friend whose life was lost to tragedy. Coincidentally, this friend became an organ donor. “Organ and tissue donation have touched my life in many ways,” Bennie acknowledged.