HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital hosts multiple events for Donate Life Month

In honor of Donate Life Month this April, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital proudly hosted a meaningful awareness event, including the dedication and ribbon cutting of its new Memorial Garden, a serene space created to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors, and celebrate the gift of life.

The ceremony brought together hospital leaders, clinical teams, donor families, transplant recipients, and community members to recognize the life-saving impact of donation. A special highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Donate Life flag, symbolizing hope, generosity, and the power of second chances.

“This Memorial Garden stands as a permanent tribute to the incredible generosity of donors and their families as well as Fawcett family members who have passed,” said Beth Hawk, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital. “It is also a place of reflection and gratitude for the lives saved, the lives transformed, and the legacy of those who gave the ultimate gift.”

The event featured:
• A formal ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Memorial Garden
• A flag-raising of the Donate Life flag
• Remarks from hospital leadership and community partners
• Personal stories from transplant recipients and donor families
• A moment of remembrance honoring donors

The Memorial Garden was thoughtfully designed to provide a peaceful environment for reflection, healing, and remembrance. It will serve as a lasting symbol of the hospital’s commitment to promoting donation awareness and supporting those touched by transplantation.

Throughout April, Fawcett Hospital is participating in national Donate Life Month initiatives to encourage individuals to register as organ donors and have important conversations with their loved ones.

“Every donor has the potential to save multiple lives,” added Hallie Thomas, Regional Program Manager with Legacy Donor Services Foundation. “Events like this help bring awareness to that impact and inspire others to consider becoming donors.”