On April 23, the hallways of Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, were lined with hospital staff members to honor the life of Cliffton Dubois, a 19-year-old organ donor, as he was wheeled down for his honor walk.

During an honor walk, staff silently line the path from the ICU to the operating room as the donor is wheeled to the operating room for organ recovery. The hospital staff pay their respects to the donor and support the loved ones of the donor. An honor walk is a way to recognize the generosity of an organ donor as they are giving the ultimate gift. During Cliffton’s honor walk, the hospital played his favorite song, “Country Roads” by John Denver over the loudspeakers.

Cliffton’s family made the very difficult and life-changing decision to honor his designation as an organ donor to save and heal lives through transplantation. Members of Cliffton’s family are also beloved members of the Landmark Medical Center staff.

Cliffton’s blood type, AB-negative, is one of the rarest blood types. He was able to match with people who had been waiting years for organ donations. Cliffton’s mother, Jennifer Dubois, said, “It gave me comfort during this horrible time, that some good was going to come of this, and that people were going to live or be helped because of my son. That gave me peace.”

According to Donate Life:

• Nearly 114,000 Americans are currently waiting for an organ transplant.

• An average of 22 patients die every day while waiting for a match.

• One person can save eight lives and enhance 75 others through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Read more about Cliffton, his generous spirit, and how his mother is turning sadness into hope. https://www.woonsocketcall.com/news/he-wanted-to-help-everybody-says-mom-of-local-teen-who-saved-3-lives-through/article_9fb72b84-ad27-11eb-b59a-6b6a21c2b473.html

For more information on organ donation, please visit donatelife.net