Dying mom's record-breaking 'honor walk' before organ donation in hospital has the internet in tears
It takes courage to do something good amid trials and pain. To think of others and be selfless despite one’s suffering is not for everyone. However, a woman named Kara Peeks and her family stood strong in the face of tribulation and made a brave decision that earned her a record-breaking honor walk at the hospital in the fleeting moments of her life. Sharing her story, her husband Chuck Peeks, who goes by u/fishfarm20 on Reddit, revealed the heart-wrenching moment. “I wanted to share this here to show everyone how next level my wife is, even in passing,” he wrote. Sharing the tragic yet empowering story of his wife, Chuck mentioned that the mother of three suddenly complained of aches and was rushed to the hospital, per Newsweek.
By the time emergency services could get to her, her condition worsened and resulted in shortness of breath. Upon further diagnosis, it was revealed that Kara had suffered from pulmonary embolism, a clot that affects the flow of blood to the lung arteries and can lead to cardiac arrest. After a dreadful day at the hospital with machines and dwindling hope, things got worse for the couple. A few days later, Chuck was told that his wife’s situation had worsened. "By that point, she had technically passed and was being kept alive on machines,” Chuck recalled.
Despite the painstaking turn of events, Kara had a gift to offer. Being an organ donor, even in her death, she was going to save many lives. “Yesterday was the day. I still can’t believe she’s gone. She is an organ donor. The hospital does what is called an ‘Honor Walk’ for special patients like my wife,” Chuck wrote in his post. To his surprise, 40 people, including staff and others, joined to pay their respects to Kara. After family and loved ones added to the support, there was a record-breaking 80-90 people in attendance, just for Kara. "At that moment, all I could feel was sorrow. Looking back on it, I think half of my tears were those of sorrow, but the other half was joy and pride,” Chuck recalled.
Chuck also shared the video on his Facebook page and ensured that his wife’s voluntary humane act was being shared with all. The video captured Kara being taken away on the stretcher, surrounded by her husband and children. The family was followed by the hospital staff and many people who stood in the hallway, creating a path as Kara took one final path out. “There are many comments on the post saying that because of her, people are willing to, or already have changed their donor status, which is amazing. If you can, be an organ donor; it doesn't cost anything to save so many lives," he exclaimed.
People flooded the comments on Reddit, offering thanks, and condolences. u/lexfor wrote, “May you find some solace in knowing a part of your loved one will live on.” Another user wrote, “It’s beautiful, in a very sad, heartbreaking, uplifting kind of way. I hope she brings joy to families who would otherwise be dealing with the sorrow you now experience.”