December 2013

Inspired by Water, a Life-Sustaining Resource, UK HealthCare’s “Gift of Life” Memorial Honors Organ and Tissue Donors

Currently, more than 100,000 people are waiting for organ transplants in the United States, with approximately 6,000 people dying yearly waiting for donated organs. A single donor can provide organs and tissue for approximately 50 patients, ultimately saving and improving their lives.

In the Fall of 2012, UK HealthCare and Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (KODA) unveiled the Gift of Life Memorial Wall honoring organ and tissue donors in a special ceremony. UK HealthCare has had nearly 1,000 donors since beginning transplantation in 1964. Located at the University’s Chandler Hospital, the donor memorial wall was inaugurated with 240 names of individuals who provided the gift of life through an organ and/or tissue donation. Since some donors have chosen to remain anonymous, the wall is not inclusive of every individual who has donated, however it will continue to grow as donor names will be added annually.

Following the theme of water, a life-sustaining source, the designers used specially treated, recycled glass resin panels for the donor wall to create a flowing, water-like, visual effect. When viewed from different approaches and at various angles, the wall appears to undulate like waves upon the surface of water.

Through close collaboration with UK HealthCare and KODA, a serene and respectful memorial donor wall was created to honor past and present organ and tissue donors who gave the gift of life.