VIDEO: Jimmy Howe's Honor Walk and Organ Donation Story

Jimmy Howe became an organ donor on the last day of his life, when his donation saved the lives of four others. His heart, liver, and kidneys went to individuals who were suffering from chronic illnesses and whose only chance at a long life rested in someone’s final act of selflessness.  

An honor walk is a way hospital staff pay respects to an organ donor if the patient and family opt for it. The video above tells Jimmy's story and shows the honor walk with hospital staff lining both sides of the hallway.

For Jimmy, he knew the importance of organ donation, registering as early as he could at age 16. For Jimmy’s family, his act of generosity brings comfort, knowing his gift gave others more time with their loved ones. His story is a powerful reminder of how one person’s decision—and one program—can transform loss into renewed purpose. Thanks to donors like Jimmy, hundreds of family members have celebrated the recovery of their loved ones, and over 100 organ recipients have received a life-saving gift. 

For a third year in a row, teams at CRMH have reached a somber but powerful milestone, saving the most lives through deceased organ donation out of any other LifeNet Health partner in Virginia. This is thanks to the concerted effort of Trauma Services, Chaplaincy and Carilion organ procurement partner, LifeNet Health.  

“Organ donors are heroes, and we’ve been witness to many moments of selflessness and generosity throughout the last year,” said Afton Jamerson, Trauma program director. “It’s not unusual for a Level 1 trauma center to work with donors and their families to give the gift of life. What is unique, however, is Carilion’s focused effort to educate and support care teams, families and patients to ensure that no opportunities to save lives are missed.”  

Beginning in 2023, CRMH worked with LifeNet Health to integrate two full-time in-house transplant coordinators who help facilitate organ donation referrals and educate families and staff about the importance of donation.  

“One donor can save up to eight lives,” said Alex Brendel, regional hospital services coordinator for LifeNet Health. “Even if someone is a registered organ donor, the overall process is complex and requires the entire care team and family to work together to make organ donation happen.” 

After seeing success with the program over the last two years, Trauma Services set a lofty goal of saving 100 lives through deceased organ donation in calendar year 2024 – they would be the first LifeNet partner in Virginia to do so.  

“We are proud of our work to honor donors,” said Jamerson. “We’ve already touched a record number of lives — that’s truly something to celebrate.”  

What is remarkable about this milestone is that Carilion is not yet an established transplant center; one does not currently exist in Southwest Virginia. We’re working to change that, working to garner state approval to launch a Kidney Transplant Program.  

“There is clearly an appetite in our region to support organ donation right here in Roanoke,” said David Salzberg, M.D., the surgeon who would lead the Kidney Transplant Program if approved. “Gaining state approval for a transplant program in our region would be significant. In addition to facilitating deceased donations, we’d be able to introduce the possibility of living donors through our network, which would have a huge impact on those struggling with kidney disease — the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S.” 

Showing your support for launching our own Kidney Transplant Program will be a critical element in achieving state approval. If you haven’t already, consider submitting an email through this website and spreading the word you’re your friend and family: KidneyTransplantSWVA.org.  

You can also sign up to become an organ donor at DonateLifeVirginia.org.  

If you have questions about our 100 Lives Saved work lead by Trauma Services, contact Afton Jamerson at arjamerson@carilionclinic.org. 

If you have questions about our Kidney Transplant Program work, contact Carlo Mendez, senior director of planning, at cmendez@carilionclinic.org.