October 21, 2026
Team member pause, show respect for patient
IU Health Methodist Hospital
By TJ Banes, IU Health Senior Journalist, tfender1@iuhealth.org
Nurse Manager Joe Fullenkamp recently paused from his daily routine and joined other practitioners lining the hallways at IU Health Methodist Hospital. The solemn occasion was an Honor Walk for a patient in the Cardiac Medical Critical Care Unit.
During an Honor Walk procession, a patient is moved from Intensive Care to the Operating Room, accompanied by their family, loved ones and hospital care team. The solemn moments acknowledge the patient’s final life-saving act of generosity making the choice to become an organ donor.
In addition to the patient’s immediate care team, nursing students, social workers, chaplains, various team members from throughout the hospital, and support from the Indiana Donor Network were part of the gathering.
Some stood with their heads bowed, some wiped away tears, others listened as the patient’s favorite music played.
“It’s important to acknowledge the gift the patient is providing and to show gratitude in being present on their journey off the unit,” said Fullenkamp. The walk also gives nurses, doctors, and caregivers who built a connection with the patient a dedicated time to pause and reflect.
The Indiana Donor Network (IDN), the federally designated organ recovery organization, coordinates organ, tissue, and cornea donation across 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Last year, IDN coordinated 1,214 lifesaving organ transplants from 467 Indiana donors. More than 4.5 million Hoosiers are registered organ donors. More than 1,400 Indiana residents are among the more than 108,000 Americans waiting for lifesaving organ transplant.
IU Health is a nationally recognized organ transplant center – both in volume and expertise. IU Health is the only center in Indiana approved to perform all organ transplants; the only intestine, liver, lung, and pancreas transplant programs in the state, and the only living donor program in the state.
A single organ and tissue donor can save up to eight lives and heal or improve the lives of 75 to 100 lives through tissue and eye donations.
