The walk is a solemn moment when a patient who is an organ donor is transported to the Operating Room for organ procurement, so the gift of life may be given to others.
Piedmont Columbus Regional hosted an honor walk commemorating a hero’s final act of service. Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class and Lee County, Ala. Deputy Sheriff Kevin Hagberg was hospitalized on Dec. 28 after suffering multiple strokes. The 55-year-old served our nation in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Afghanistan. He then worked for the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and most recently at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
With the support of his wife, Jennifer, Deputy Hagberg will be an organ donor— continuing his legacy of service to his country and community. Family and local law enforcement joined hospital staff in lining the hallways for the honor walk to pay their respects.
The need for organ donors is critical with over 100,000 people in the United States on the transplant waiting list. According to Life Link of Georgia, a donor can save up to eight lives, making the honor walk not only a tribute but also a reminder of the importance of organ donation. Go to LifeLinkFoundation.org for more information on organ donation.
