170 million people in the United States are registered to be organ donors and an estimated 100,000 people are on the waiting list for life-saving transplants, including 2,800-plus Virginians. Today, Riverside Health System in partnership with LifeNet Health, Virginia’s organ procurement organization, is proud to unveil a memorial dedicated to honor those who chose to donate life at Riverside Regional Medical Center.
The dedication ceremony featured hospital and health system leaders, LifeNet Health leaders and donor families and recipients. The memorial, created by Austin Warner, is designed to stand as a lasting testament to the countless lives touched by organ donation in Hampton Roads. The memorial statue was unveiled in the Riverside Regional Medical Center Pavilion Lobby.
“Less than 1% of registered organ donors actually meet the strict guidelines to be eligible for donation. Choosing to donate is an act of compassion that leaves a legacy of hope, kindness and generosity,” says Mike Oshiki, M.D., President of Riverside Regional Medical Center “With this statue, we honor all of the donors and their families, who as their final act, chose to help others in their time of need through life-saving transplants.”
With all respect and gratitude for the donor, each donor’s loved ones are offered an Honor Walk. An Honor Walk is an opportunity for hospital team members to silently line the hallway leading from the hospital room to the operating room to offer support and recognition for their gift of life.
According to Donate Life America, last year saw 21,300 organ donors bring new life and hope to donor recipients and their loved ones. Each approved donor can save up to nine lives through organ donation and improve the lives of 150 others through tissue donations.
“The generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors is never forgotten,” said Todd Hubler, Executive Director of the LifeNet Health Organ Procurement Organization. “We are proud to support Riverside Health System in calling attention to donor heroes and their families through this memorial.”
Through this moving tribute, Riverside and LifeNet Health hope to inspire ongoing conversations about the significance of organ donation and the life-changing impact it can have. To register as an organ donor, please visit organdonor.gov.