Family honors loved one’s organ donation at Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Baton Rouge family joined Ochsner staff on National Donate Life Blue & Green Day to honor their loved one, whose decision to become an organ donor saved lives. On Friday, April 11, the family participated in a special ceremony to mark the donation of their relative’s heart, lungs, and kidneys to individuals in need of transplants.

The family’s participation in the event was meaningful because their loved one had also received multiple organ transplants during his lifetime, including a pancreas. Ochsner described it as a “full-circle moment,” where someone who had received the gift of life was now passing it on to others.

The ceremony featured a flag-raising and butterfly release, both symbols of remembrance, renewal, and gratitude. Oschner said the LOPA flag, which was raised to signify that lifesaving donations were in progress, was presented to the family as a keepsake after the process was complete.

Ochsner’s event also honored the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors. The hospital said that just one donor can save up to eight lives, help heal up to 75 people through tissue donations, and restore sight to two individuals through cornea donations.

The ceremony recognized 23 other lifesaving donors from Ochsner Baton Rouge in 2024.

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