Last week, as more than 100 Hutchinson Regional Medical Center employees lined the hallway leading out of the ICU, the unit’s doors opened and a hospital bed emerged. All were silent as a donor about to give life to others through organ donation, was wheeled to a surgical room to begin the process. 

The patient donated their kidneys. 

The ritual is called an “Honor Walk,” a ritual established at Life Center, an organ transplant center in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2017. The Honor Walk tradition has grown to include hospitals throughout the nation. 

Kristy Sourk, house supervisor and ICU nurse at HRMC, said the Honor Walk offers comfort to both hospital employees and family members. “It fulfills our need to recognize the gift being given to honor not only the donor, but the family left behind,” Sourk said. 

“There is no greater gift that can be given than organs to give life to others. We want families to know that their family members who chose organ donation, are heroes,” she said.

“Through organ donations, one family’s devastating loss may give new hope for hundreds of others,” Sourk continued. 

Ken Johnson, president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said the need for organ donations is increasing as 113,000 people are waiting for organ transplants and nearly 7,000 Americans die each year while on a waiting list.

“Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has been nationally recognized for its efforts to work closely with the Midwest Transplant Network to facilitate organ donations.” Johnson said. “Everyone has the power to give life through organ donations, an option deserving of consideration.”