OCALA, FL (352today.com) – HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital held flag-raising ceremonies in partnership with LifeQuest to mark National Donate Life Month and honor the families of organ donors, recipients, and healthcare professionals who support the donation process.

Cory Hebert, LifeQuest’s hospital services coordinator, and organ recipient Aaron Rainbolt spoke at both ceremonies. Rainbolt received a kidney and pancreas transplant three years ago.

“April is National Donate Life Month, and we’ve gathered today to celebrate the folks who in their final moments give the final gift of life,” said Hebert. “It’s hard to explain the solace that it can give families to know that it’s not a senseless tragedy; that the loss of their loved one has purpose and meaning.”

Courtesy: HCA Florida Healthcare
Courtesy: HCA Florida Healthcare
Courtesy: HCA Florida Healthcare

Hebert praised hospital staff for their efforts, saying, “Without the work that you do, organ donation could not happen at all. Period. Full stop.”

Rainbolt thanked hospital staff and emphasized the life-changing impact of organ donation. “The impact that organ donation has made on my life and my family‘s lives is unbelievable. I got a whole new lease on life,” he said.

Since the beginning of 2024, the two hospitals have facilitated 31 organ donations, saving 93 lives, according to Hebert.

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Hospital leaders encouraged others to consider registering as donors. “One organ donor can save as many as eight lives,” said HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee.

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital also received a Platinum Recognition Certificate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its work promoting donation.

For more information on organ donation and transplant services, visit hcafloridahealthcare.com/specialties/transplant-services.

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