An honor walk, also known as a hero walk, is a ceremonial event that takes place in a hospital to commemorate a patient who has decided to donate their organs. The event typically takes place as the patient is transported to an operating room or waiting ambulance, and the hallways are lined with hospital staff, the patients friends, and family. The event is intended to show appreciation and respect for the patients decision to donate their organs and may include an honor guard in the case of a veteran. The honor walk is a symbol of unity and compassion among families, donors, and their care teams. It provides families of intended organ donors, as well as the medical care teams, the opportunity to honor the generosity of the donor for sharing the gifts of life. The honor walk also offers hospital staff an opportunity to recognize the heroism of their patient. Many hospitals across the country have begun to hold honor walks when they are requested or approved by a donor’s family. While each hospital is different, the process of an honor walk is usually similar:

• A notification is made to those in the hospital that an organ, eye, and tissue donor is about to be transported to the operating room for the recovery of gifts.
• Hospital staff who are available line the hallway that leads from the donor’s room to the operating room.
• The donor is accompanied by the donor family down the hallway, and the hospital staff observes in reflection.
• Some families may choose to play music or make an additional special request, which is often able to be granted.

The honor walk is a powerful act of community, and something solemn, even sacred, happens in those few minutes in the hallway. It allows all of us to take a moment to honor the patient and their family, recognize their selfless act, and their desire to give the gift of life.