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St. Luke's Hospital Honors Organ Donors with Wall of Heroes
NEWS RELEASE
HOUSTON (Sept. 27, 2010) -- St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital today unveiled a Wall of Heroes to acknowledge the gift of life given by organ donors and their families. This inspirational memoriam showcases photographs of patients who gave the gift of life giving others a second chance.
St. Luke's Wall of Heroes is designed to provide comfort to those who have made the difficult decision for a loved one and to provide hope for those in need of an organ transplant. The photographs include the first name of the donors and were provided by their loved ones who will be invited to the unveiling of ceremony. During the unveiling, each donor family will be recognized as they have the opportunity to see where their loved ones are honored. Each donor's name will be announced by two transplant recipients. The Wall of Heroes features donors from all walks of life and vary in age and ethnicity demonstrating that everyone can be a donor and save lives.
Currently more than 100,000 men, women and children across the United States are in need of a lifesaving organ transplant. This list grows every 10 minutes as another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. While 90 percent of Americans say they support donation, only 30 percent know the essential steps to become a donor according to Donate Life America.
"We consider all organ donors heroes," explained Margaret M. Van Bree, DrPH, chief executive officer, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital and senior vice president, St. Luke's Episcopal Health System. "Whether they sign up as donors themselves or had family members who made the critical decision for them, organ donors shall alwasy be remembered by the organ donor community. St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital has reserved this special place to remember these heroes."
The initial Wall of Heroes features 11 organ donors.
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