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Honor walk
Honor walk
Honor walk
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An honor walk (or hero walk) is a ceremonial event to commemorate a patient whose organs are donated. The event normally takes place as the patient is transported to an operating room or waiting ambulance prior to organ procurement. It is typically held for patients on life support with no chance of survival, but can also be held for living donors.[1]

An honor walk held for a living liver donor

Context

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As of 2022, over 100,000 people are on the national organ transplant waiting list in the United States, with 17 people dying per day waiting for a transplant. An individual donor can provide up to eight organs.[2]

Procedure

[edit]

As the patient is transported to the operating room or a waiting ambulance,[3] the hallways are lined with hospital staff and the patient's friends and family.[4] The event is intended to show appreciation and respect for the patient's decision to donate their organs and may include an honor guard in the case of a veteran.[4][5]

Media

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  • In February 2020, the Center for Investigative Reporting podcast Reveal discussed the rising trend of honor walks during the process of organ donation in an episode titled The Honor Walk.[6]
  • In season 2 episode 14 of The Good Doctor, a walk of honor takes place for a young brain-dead girl whose face is to be transplanted.
  • In season 5, episode 3 of The Resident, there is an honor walk for Nic Nevin who died from a traumatic brain injury following a car crash.
  • In "2:00 P.M.", the eighth episode of the first season of The Pitt, an honor walk is held for patient Nick Bradley, who died of an overdose due to the ingestion of Xanax laced with fentanyl. Despite his driver's license indicating that he was an organ donor, his parents are initially reluctant to accept what has happened to their son, but later change their mind.
  • In The Rookie, season 4, episode 17, “Coding,” the beginning shows a dead organ donor Riley getting an honour walk. [7]

COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the honor walk was extended to survivors who battled severe cases of COVID-19 after testing positive. As hospitals experienced an overwhelming number of patients, these survivors became symbols of hope and perseverance. When discharged, many of these patients were honored in a similar way as organ donors with a procession through hospital halls—a final walk of gratitude either in a wheelchair or bed prior to leaving the hospital.[8]

References

[edit]
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Honor walk

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from Grokipedia
An honor walk, also known as a walk or walk of respect, is a solemn ceremonial conducted in hospitals to commemorate deceased organ, eye, and tissue donors as their bodies are transported from the to the operating room for donation procedures. During the event, hospital staff, family members, and sometimes friends or volunteers line the hallways, often standing in silence or offering brief words of gratitude, to recognize the donor's heroic decision to save or enhance multiple lives through transplantation. This ritual typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes and may include elements such as a chaplain's , soft music, or the display of a donor , emphasizing and community support at a moment of profound loss. The primary purpose of an honor walk is to provide emotional solace to grieving families by affirming that their loved one's gift is valued and celebrated, while also allowing healthcare professionals—particularly nurses—to process the emotional weight of and honor the donor's legacy. It serves as a bridge between the of and the hope of life-saving transplants, fostering a sense of shared humanity among participants and reinforcing the importance of in modern medicine. Families may request the ceremony, and it is coordinated by organizations to ensure sensitivity and respect for all involved. Honor walks emerged in the late as an organic response to the needs of staff and donor families, with early implementations traced to institutions like LifeCenter Organ Donor Network in , , in December 2017, where it was initiated to support ICU nurses emotionally. The practice gained wider attention following a viral post in 2018 depicting a at a , prompting rapid adoption across U.S. medical centers, including facilities starting in 2019. By the early 2020s, the ritual had become a standard protocol in many s nationwide, featured in media such as and television shows like , highlighting its role in promoting awareness.

Background and Context

Definition and Purpose

An honor walk is a ceremonial conducted in to commemorate a deceased organ donor, during which hospital staff, members, and occasionally community participants line the hallways in silent tribute as the donor is transported from their room to the operating room for organ retrieval surgery. Also referred to as a "hero walk," this ritual publicly acknowledges the donor's in a structured, respectful manner. The primary purpose of an honor walk is to honor the donor's selfless decision to contribute organs, eyes, and tissues that can save or enhance multiple lives, while offering visible support and a sense of closure to the grieving . It reinforces the profound impact of for healthcare teams by highlighting its ethical and humanistic dimensions, thereby affirming the intrinsic value of this life-giving act. Through this gesture, the ceremony transforms a moment of loss into one of communal gratitude and recognition. Honor walks typically occur after a has been declared brain dead but prior to the commencement of organ recovery procedures, ensuring the focus remains on the donor's legacy without interfering with medical processes. Unlike honor walks, which commemorate service members' sacrifices in a formal armed forces context, the civilian medical honor walk is specifically tailored to , emphasizing healthcare solidarity and family in a setting. This distinction underscores its role as a supportive rooted in rather than martial tradition.

Historical Origins

Honor walks emerged organically in the late as a response to the emotional needs of staff and donor families . The earliest documented implementations occurred at the LifeCenter Organ Donor Network in , , in December 2017, where the ceremony was initiated primarily to provide emotional support for nurses grieving the loss of patients who became organ donors. The practice gained national prominence in 2018 following a viral social media post depicting an honor walk at a hospital, which highlighted the ritual's emotional power and prompted other medical centers to adopt it. By 2019, hospitals across the U.S., including facilities, had incorporated honor walks as standard protocols for cases.

Procedure and Protocol

Preparation and Planning

Preparation for an honor walk begins with coordination between staff and organizations (), such as LifeLink or LifeSource, to facilitate a dignified to the organ donor. The OPO's care coordinator approaches the donor's to obtain explicit for the , ensuring it aligns with their wishes and policies. Upon authorization, the designee—often a nurse or donation champion—notifies relevant departments via announcements like "Code Honor" or targeted emails, outlining participation guidelines to minimize disruptions. Chaplains, social workers, and security personnel may also be involved to support needs and manage logistics, such as securing elevators or alternative routes. Timing is planned to coincide with the donor's transport from the to the operating room for organ recovery, typically occurring shortly after brain death declaration to preserve organ viability. Staff are alerted approximately 15 minutes in advance to allow for assembly without delaying the surgical process. This window ensures the event remains brief, often lasting just a few minutes, while coordinating with the OPO to confirm the exact schedule based on recovery timelines. Participant selection emphasizes inclusivity among hospital personnel, inviting multidisciplinary team members including nurses, physicians, specialists, and support staff to line the hallway in silent observation. Family members and close friends are encouraged to join if they , with roles assigned such as accompanying the donor or providing emotional support; additional participants like may be included in some protocols depending on local arrangements. Responsibilities are clearly defined, for instance, designating staff to hold doors or assist with family positioning, to maintain order and respect. Customization tailors the event to the donor's background while upholding strict protocols for and control. Families may incorporate personal elements, such as playing meaningful music or displaying mementos like photos or flags, subject to approval and logistical feasibility. Many protocols restrict or prohibit and recording by staff participants to protect , though some allow family recording with approval; phones are silenced during the event. Infection control follows standard deceased patient transport measures, including PPE if required. These adaptations ensure the ceremony remains reverent and compliant with institutional standards.

The Ceremony Process

The honor walk ceremony commences when the patient's bed is wheeled from the (ICU) through the hospital corridors to the operating room, with participants including hospital staff, family members, and occasionally community supporters lining the hallways on both sides and standing at attention in silent tribute. The procession moves at a deliberate pace, briefly honoring the donor while prioritizing the timely transport required for organ viability. Family members usually walk alongside the bed or immediately behind it, accompanied by key medical personnel such as nurses and an anesthesiologist who maintain measures like rhythmic ventilation. Throughout the event, a atmosphere of quiet prevails, with participants refraining from speech or to the ; however, customizable elements may enhance the based on family preferences, such as soft music played via portable devices, brief readings or dedications at the outset, or staff and supporters holding signs and posters proclaiming the donor a "" or displaying personal messages. These additions, including performances or choral in some instances, underscore the donor's selfless act without disrupting operations. The ceremony's scale varies to accommodate privacy needs or broader involvement: intimate versions may involve only 10 to 20 core staff and family for a contained, personal farewell, while larger events can draw hundreds of participants, such as employees, students, and community members, extending the route through multiple floors or areas while remaining orderly and unobtrusive. In all cases, organization coordinators briefly reference prior planning to synchronize the walk with surgical timelines, ensuring no delays affect donation outcomes. Upon reaching the operating room doors, the procession concludes with the family bidding a final farewell, often supported by spiritual care staff if requested; a short post-ceremony gathering may follow in a designated area to offer emotional support to the family before they await updates from the surgical team. Participants, including staff, then disperse to resume duties, with coordinators sometimes expressing collective thanks to reinforce the event's purpose. This closure upholds the ceremony's focus on dignity and gratitude, safeguarding the medical process.

Significance and Impact

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

The honor walk provides families of organ donors with a profound support, as staff, colleagues, and sometimes other patients line the hallways in silent tribute, creating a collective acknowledgment of their loss and the donor's . This communal helps reduce feelings of isolation by demonstrating that the family is not alone in their sorrow, with participants often describing the experience as a genuine expression of shared that fosters connection during an otherwise isolating time. Furthermore, the transforms the tragedy of loss into a celebrated act of giving life, allowing families to reframe their bereavement around the donor's legacy and the positive impact on recipients, which studies indicate can decrease long-term bereavement stress by infusing meaning into the process. For healthcare providers, participating in an honor walk offers emotional closure following the intense demands of , particularly in cases involving brain-dead patients where staff may grapple with distress and prolonged involvement. The boosts by reinforcing the purpose and value of their work, as it shifts focus from clinical detachment to a moment of reverence that honors both the donor and the team's efforts, leading to enhanced professional identity and among participants. Donor families have reported the honor walk as a pivotal "turning point" in their healing journey, providing a structured opportunity for farewell that aids in processing and beginning recovery. From a psychological perspective, the honor walk aligns with in , where public ceremonies facilitate by offering symbolic acknowledgment of and transition, helping participants integrate the loss into their narrative of life continuity. This structured rite draws on established principles of processing, such as those in frameworks, to reframe the donor's passing as a heroic contribution, thereby supporting emotional resilience for both families and staff. However, potential challenges arise in managing families' expectations, as the ceremonial emphasis on as a "good " may inadvertently add pressure during acute , necessitating careful communication to ensure the serves therapeutic needs without overwhelming .

Role in Organ Donation Awareness

Honor walks significantly contribute to organ donation awareness by humanizing the donation process and portraying it as a heroic act of generosity, which encourages public engagement and registration. These ceremonies transform an otherwise private medical procedure into a communal , allowing staff, families, and occasionally community members to witness the life-saving potential of firsthand, thereby reducing stigma and inspiring others to register as donors. For example, at the , a donor honor walk was noted for raising awareness of the critical need for more donors while supporting family healing. As an educational tool, honor walks facilitate staff training and broader public outreach by immersing participants in the realities of end-of-life care and donation. They provide a platform to debunk persistent myths, such as the false belief that organ donation interferes with burial timelines or religious practices, promoting accurate information that empowers informed choices. In nursing education, honor walks have been integrated as experiential learning events, enabling students to grapple with the ethical, emotional, and practical dimensions of organ transplantation, fostering greater empathy and advocacy among future healthcare professionals. Institutional adoption of honor walks has been actively promoted by leading organizations in the field, including Donate Life America and its affiliates such as the Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance. These groups provide guidelines and resources to standardize the practice, emphasizing its role in honoring donors and educating communities. Many hospitals and internationally have incorporated honor walks into their protocols, reflecting their evolution from a initiative to a widely recognized component of donor care. Studies and reports underscore the awareness-building effects of honor walks, with implementations correlating to enhanced family comfort during the consent process and increased institutional commitment to donation programs. A 2020 investigation by illustrated how these rituals provide emotional support that facilitates family decisions to proceed with donation, contributing to broader societal shifts toward viewing as a valued legacy.

Media and Notable Examples

Media Coverage

Media coverage of honor walks has evolved significantly since the , beginning with localized news reports that highlighted the ritual's emergence in hospitals as a way to honor organ donors. For instance, a 2019 New York Times article described honor walks as growing rituals in U.S. hospitals, emphasizing their role in showing respect to patients at the end of life whose organs would save others. By the mid-2020s, coverage expanded to include viral videos shared online, such as YouTube clips from hospitals like Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in New York, which documented the ceremonies to raise awareness about . Key themes in media portrayals often center on the heroism of donors and the gratitude expressed by hospital staff and families, portraying the walks as dignified tributes rather than spectacles. A 2020 podcast episode from Reveal, produced by , explored the ethical dimensions of honor walks, including their emotional solace for grieving families while avoiding in depicting the process. This coverage has contributed to the national standardization of honor walks, with organizations developing guidelines to balance and donor . For example, LifeLink's media guidelines prohibit filming during walks unless families explicitly , ensuring for the deceased and their loved ones. Similarly, LifeSource's sample policies recommend removing identifiable details during media interactions to protect in hospital settings. Recent trends show a surge in social media sharing post-2020, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where explanatory videos and short clips have amplified awareness of honor walks amid ongoing organ donation shortages. A 2020 LifeSource report noted that such social media content fosters public education on donation without compromising ethical standards.

Specific Instances

One notable pediatric example occurred in 2019 at a U.S. hospital, where 18-year-old Dalton Chris, who had been involved in a car accident, was honored with an honor walk before his organs were donated. Dalton's donations, including his heart, liver, corneas, kidneys, intestines, and tissues, saved and enhanced the lives of more than 50 people. The procession was family-led, with his father organizing the event and inviting gospel choirs to sing as 200 to 300 participants, including classmates, family members, and hospital staff, lined the hallways from his room to the operating area. In an adult case from 2018, 21-year-old Matthew Spahn received the hospital's first "Walk of Respect" at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas, following his death from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident. Over 200 hospital employees lined the hallways in a solemn tribute as Matthew, a former track-and-field athlete, was wheeled to the operating room, symbolizing his "final lap." His organ donations ultimately saved seven lives. A record-setting honor walk took place in 2024 for Kara Peeks at a U.S. , where between 80 and 90 people, including 47 friends and family members plus staff, gathered to pay tribute, surpassing the facility's previous record of 40 attendees. The event honored Kara's nearly 19-year marriage and 21 years together with her husband, , amid her decision to donate organs that could save up to eight lives. The procession, captured on video and widely shared, evoked profound sorrow and pride for her selflessness. In April 2025, a mother's honor walk for 41-year-old Jasmine Barbuto, who died from sudden , drew widespread media attention, including coverage in , underscoring the emotional resonance of such ceremonies for families and the public. Honor walks for military-affiliated donors may incorporate elements like and salutes to reflect service history, emphasizing ' sacrifices. For instance, in a 2019 case, U.S. Marine Corps Zachary Green was given an honor walk at a , joined by personnel, VA representatives, and members, before his organs saved four lives; the ceremony included honors such as a presentation to honor his service. This adaptation highlights how such events can blend tribute with protocol, providing additional layers of reverence for donors.

References

  1. https://www.lifebanc.org/resources/healthcare-partners/the-honor-walk/
  2. https://www.carerev.com/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-an-honor-walk
  3. https://blog.providence.org/blog/honor-walk-ceremonies-give-donor-patients-a-heros-goodbye-2
  4. https://revealnews.org/podcast/the-honor-walk/
  5. https://www.med.uvm.edu/vtmedicine/fall_2019/rituals_of_honor_in_hospital_hallways
  6. https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2019/04/10/honor-walk
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/02/well/live/rituals-of-honor-in-hospital-hallways.html
  8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12323139/
  9. https://cmsa.org/the-honor-walk-a-sacred-tribute-in-the-journey-of-organ-donation/
  10. https://www.life-source.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honor-Walk-Family-Guidelines.pdf
  11. https://lifelinkfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LifeLink-Honor-Walk-Implementation-and-Roles.pdf
  12. https://www.memorialcare.org/blog/long-beach-medical-center-holds-tribute-organ-donors-and-families-through-honor-walks
  13. https://www.life-source.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Honor-Walk-Sample-Policy.pdf
  14. https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/hundreds-of-wvhs-students-honor-classmate-at-hospital-before-he-donates-organs/article_aff6ce62-7802-11ed-87a3-47a1a141fde2.html
  15. https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/life-stories/honor-walk-dalton
  16. https://www.organdonationalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Regional-San-Jose-Donor-Honor-Walk-Process-Guide.pdf
  17. https://www.organdonationalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Honor-Walk.pdf
  18. https://commons.stmarytx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1046&context=dissertations
  19. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15269248221087429
  20. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379116014_Ritual_and_Power_in_Medicine_Questioning_Honor_Walks_in_Organ_Donation
  21. https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/donor-honor-walk-leaves-lasting-impression-unlv-medical-students
  22. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/featured-topic/organ-donation-dont-let-these-myths-confuse-you
  23. https://haconvention2025.dryfta.com/abstract-archive/abstract/public/618/enhancing-end-of-life-care-service-the-honor-walk-for-organ-donors-in-queen-elizabeth-hospital
  24. https://donatelife.net/
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSUx-ZqapBs
  26. https://lifelinkfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LifeLink-Honor-Walk-Media-Guidelines.pdf
  27. https://www.life-source.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Honor-Walk-Social-Media-Impact.pdf
  28. https://www.bswhealth.com/blog/21-year-old-organ-donor-honored-in-hospitals-first-ever-walk-of-respect-ceremony
  29. https://www.newsweek.com/dying-womans-honor-walk-breaks-record-1917742
  30. https://www.newsweek.com/womans-honor-walk-after-sudden-death-2063599
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unjyOsQ0Wtk
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