If you have ever lost a loved one, especially suddenly, you know that it’s a terrible, life-changing event. Even when the people around us are healthy, it is impossible to predict what could happen today or tomorrow.
Cletus Schnieders passed away suddenly, leaving his wife and loved ones behind to grieve his loss. But, because he was an organ donor, an astounding number of people were helped after his passing. His wife, Carrie, shared the story of his passing with Yahoo News: “I was in the other room talking to Clete, and I was getting annoyed because he wasn’t answering me. When I walked over to him, I realized he was choking. Then he collapsed.”
Cletus was rushed to the hospital, but after two days, he was pronounced brain dead. After he passed away, there was a swift process of tests because he was an organ donor. His organs were viable, and he was taken from the room, leaving his wife behind with her grief. However, as she left, she was surprised by the people — staff, strangers, and loved ones — who lined the hallway, in a gesture that the LifeCenter Organ Donor Network calls the “Honor Walk.”
“It’s called an Honor Walk. The breathtaking moment when friends, family, and hospital staff line the halls as a hero who chose to be an organ donor makes their way to save lives. Cletus Schnieders gave the gift of life to more than 50 people through organ and tissue donation…Thanks to the Schnieders Family for sharing this moment with us.”
Carrie shared her experience on Facebook:
“Today was the worst day of my life. My amazing husband was pronounced brain dead around 9:30. He signed up to be an organ donor, which made this day even more heartbreaking with all of the tests and pokes they had to do on my love. I know due to his bravery he will give life to many people…Selfishly, I can’t see that far ahead and can only go with what I witnessed was done to Clete today…
The Honor Walk was so overwhelming with all of the people who came out to support Clete. I can’t believe how many people care about us. The nurses said this is the biggest crowd they have ever seen… Clete is the kind of man I want our boys to become and the kind of man I want our daughter to marry…”
What a beautiful gesture; a tiny light in a very dark time. Watch more about the story in the video below and please like and share for Cletus!
