The Emily Stillman Foundation was created in 2014 to preserve the memory of Emily Nicole Stillman. Emily was a 19 year old sophomore at Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. On January 31st, 2013, Emily called home complaining of a headache. Thirty-six hours later, she passed away. We learned that Emily had contracted the B strain of meningococcal disease, the only strain not protected by vaccines in the United States. Emily was able to donate 6 of her organs, together with bones and tissue, to save the lives of 5 others.

When the Foundation was originally founded, it had a twofold Mission, which included the both organ/tissue donation as well as vaccine advocacy. In 2016 a third Mission was adopted to enable The Foundation to advocate globally for all health and wellness issues.

One of goals of The Emily Stillman Foundation is that one day organ/tissue donations for transplantation will be something one must “opt out of”, not “sign up for”. Through extensive training provided by Gift of Life Michigan, we have come to learn astonishing facts. There is a critical need for organ and tissue donations in the United States. Organ and tissue transplantations have evolved and improved so much, but the need for donations remain at an all-time high. We would like to explain and encourage organ donations from the unique perspective of a donor family. It is important for people to realize how a decision at one’s darkest moment can change the lives of so many other people, and ultimately their own as well. ​​​​​​​​​​

The Emily Stillman Foundation is a Proud Member of
The Confederation of Meningitis Organizations.