Evangelical Community Hospital Raises Organ Donation Flag, Honors Gift of Life Donors, 2024

April 18, 2024

On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Evangelical Community Hospital raised the Organ Donor Flag outside of Rooke Pavilion, to bring awareness to the importance of organ and tissue donation.

A memorial service was held in the Hospital's Meditation Chapel to honor patients and employees who have donated organs, tissue, and corneas to the Gift of Life program. In attendance were families impacted by organ donation, Hospital leadership, employees, and guests.

Making a special appearance was the family of John Gummo, a patient of the Hospital, who on May 1, 2023 donated his organs upon his passing at the age of 61. Family members shared John's life and story, how the care team at Evangelical supported them as they came to terms with their loss, and what it meant to be able to honor John through giving life to others. Through this most generous gift, three individuals received life-saving organs.

The flag raising and service were part of the Hospital's month-long initiative to promote organ and tissue donation.

Individuals are encouraged to talk with family members and friends about registering as a donor. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and a tissue donor can improve the lives of more than 100 others. More importantly, declaring organ donation wishes while still living makes decision-making easier when a medical emergency arises.

To become an organ or tissue donor, visit www.donors1.org to register.