HCA Florida Brandon Hospital will host a special flag raising and butterfly release on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the hospital flagpole, 119 Oakfield Drive in Brandon, in honor of Haven Sariah Renee Ford, her family and National Donate Life Month.
The ceremony will remember Haven’s life and legacy and recognize the extraordinary impact she continues to have through her gift of donation. Haven was the first infant organ donor at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, marking a historic moment in care and compassion for the hospital and for families across Florida.
Haven’s parents, Catherine Mornhineway and Andrew Ford, will share their family’s story and the journey that led to their selfless decision to give the gift of life to others. The program will also include remarks from Maternal Fetal Medicine nurse navigator Laurie Van Damme, who walked closely alongside the Ford family throughout Haven’s care, as well as a representative from LifeLink, the organ procurement organization that supported the donation process.
“Haven’s time with us was brief, but her impact is immeasurable,” said Laurie Van Damme, nurse navigator at Brandon Hospital. “Her family’s courage, love and generosity have forever changed what is possible and continue to inspire our colleagues and community. We’ve even heard stories across the state and country of people who have been touched and impacted by Haven.”
Haven Sariah Renee Ford was born on December 11 and passed peacefully on December 14, surrounded by the love of her family and caregivers. Diagnosed in utero with anencephaly, a rare and fatal birth defect, her parents chose to carry her to term and honor her life through organ donation. Through that decision, Haven helped save and improve the lives of other babies, offering hope to families in moments of great need.
More than 100 HCA Florida Brandon Hospital colleagues participated in an honor walk as Haven was taken to the organ recovery procedure, a moment many described as profoundly moving and deeply meaningful. The recovery of her organs was the first of its kind at the hospital and in the state of Florida. It is among the rarest forms of infant donation nationally.
The April 15 ceremony will include the raising of the Donate Life flag and a butterfly release symbolizing remembrance, hope and the enduring legacy of organ donors. The event is part of National Donate Life Month, observed each April to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Community members, caregivers and media are invited to attend.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: HCA Florida Brandon Hospital flagpole, 119 Oakfield Drive, Brandon
For more information about organ and tissue donation, visit DonateLifeFlorida.org.