We recently had a young Veteran who we got after he was involved in an ATV accident. He suffered multiple significant injuries, including a devastating head injury. Eventually, the patient progressed to brain death, and since he was an established organ donor, OPO assumed care.
During the days that followed, many nurses helped care for him, and one particular nurse, Cindy Halfacre, developed a bond with the family. While caring for the patient, Cindy found out that while in the military, he had received multiple honorable medals, including for marksmanship. Once the organs were matched and we were planning for OR time, Cindy had a great idea to reach out to the VA and they showed a lot of interest in providing any support they could to the family.
When it was time for the patient to go to the OR, we coordinated with the VA, who sent many active-duty personnel over to participate in an Honor Walk for the patient as a show of respect. The family brought in American flags for anyone who wanted them, and the patient was draped in an American Flag over his hospital bed as he rolled to the OR to give his final gift. The honor walk was especially moving on this particular morning because of the young age of the patient and also the military personnel in attendance.
The VA was so moved by the opportunity to participate, that they have since asked to be notified in the future for any and all honor walks we do for Veterans. While this was a tragic situation, I think the care we provided for this patient and the respect we showed at the end of his life is something that the family will never forget.