Organ donation after the circulatory death (DCD) or clinical diagnosis of brain death is a highly coordinated process primarily driven by organ procurement organizations (OPOs). I’m fortunate to be involved with a streamlined process whereby organ donors from our hospital are cared for in a dedicated “donor specialty care unit” while finding potential recipient matches at hospitals all over the country.

Just inside this ICU is a commemoration that reads:

Here we stand…At the threshold of this new beginning.We bless the intention, vision, and laborof those who brought this spacefrom mere possibility into solid reality.May we honor and bless the patients and familiesWhose generous but broken heartsHave made the difficult decisionIn offering the most precious gift of allTo those they’ve never met.May those who serve hereBe continually renewed in their spiritAs they, too, give of themselvesWith wisdom and compassion.May their lives be bountiful with love and blessings.Through all of these giftsThe sacred speaks and smilesFrom behind those giving eyes.May we all be giversAs we rise together in this new beginning.