What is an honor walk?

An honor walk is a ceremonial gesture to honor and show respect for a person who has chosen to donate their organs after passing away. It involves hospital staff lining the hallway as the donor is being wheeled to the operating room for organ recovery. The staff members stand in silence as a tribute to the selfless act of organ donation and to show support for the donor and their family.

During an honor walk, the donor is usually covered in a special quilt or blanket that signifies their gift of life. The procession is a somber and emotional moment that allows hospital staff, family members, and friends to pay their respects and say goodbye to the donor before their organs are recovered for transplant.

Honor walks are often organized by organ procurement organizations and hospitals to acknowledge the heroic act of organ donation and to help create a sense of closure and gratitude for both the donor's family and the medical team involved in the organ recovery process.