This year, the event is focusing on the need for organ, eye and issue donation education, especially for teenagers getting their first driver’s license.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson teamed up with nonprofit “Gift of Life Michigan” on Wednesday to talk about National Donate Life Month.

The McClendons hope their story will encourage others families to talk about organ donation.

It’s happening across the board, but more so in communities of color and while organs are not matched based on race or ethnicity, it’s still important for minorities to donate. He was placed on the transplant list in August 2015. READ: Keeping hope alive for patients waiting for organ transplants“We need to donate. It’s a lot of us waiting on transplants," Love said. RELATED: Register: Michigan organ donors neededClick here to learn more about organ donation and join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.