As HonorBridge continues its 40-year anniversary series, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable partnerships and shared missions that have defined who we are as an organization. Laurie McDonald, a retired transplant social worker from UNC who worked alongside HonorBridge for almost 25 years, offers insights into her career and the profound ways HonorBridge shaped her work, her patients’ lives, and her own understanding of organ donation.
Laurie first encountered HonorBridge, then known as Carolina Donor Services, during her orientation in May 2000.
“For at least two decades, people from HonorBridge came to my lung transplant support group—now a class—to share the donor side of the process,” Laurie explained. “They helped patients understand how to communicate with donor families, which is so meaningful. Patients often feel immense gratitude but also grief for the donor families. HonorBridge’s presence gave them the tools to express their feelings and pass along their thanks.”
Laurie recalls how transformative these interactions were for her patients and herself. “Being present during meetings between recipients and donor families was such a privilege,” she shared. “Seeing the tears, the joy, and the connection deepened my work immeasurably.”
HonorBridge’s commitment to public education extended to conversations with both patients and colleagues. She credits the organization with teaching her to use compassionate, gratitude-based language when discussing organ donation.
“I think language is so important,” said Laurie. “It can empower or encourage. Terms like ‘high-risk’ are outdated and scary. I’ve worked hard to help my team and patients understand the nuances, thanks to what I’ve learned from HonorBridge.”
Laurie also highlighted HonorBridge’s materials, like brochures on communicating with donor families, as invaluable resources. “Patients are often scared to write to donor families. They don’t know where to start or worry about saying the wrong thing. HonorBridge’s guidance helps them find their voice.”
As for the technological advancements she’s witnessed over the years, Laurie has been amazed at innovations like the ex-vivo lung perfusion system (EVLP). “Being able to treat lungs outside the body is a game changer,” she said. “The scientific progress over the past 24 years has been amazing, and what HonorBridge has done to support donation and transplantation is really great. I was just delighted to take the tour of your new facility on Millhouse Road and to learn all about how you take care of donors and their families there. It seems really state-of-the-art, and it’s so exciting.”
For Laurie, organ donation is more than a clinical process—it’s a gift, and her career has been a blessing.
“It is such a beautiful, life-transforming gift,” said Laurie. “I have seen patients live for 24 ½ years and counting; years they would not have had. I’ve been able to be part of their families’ lives. It’s been amazing. To be a small part of this big process is just such a blessing and a gift.”
As Laurie reflects on HonorBridge’s four decades of impact, she emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration.
“I was once invited to an HonorBridge event honoring donor families,” said Laurie. “It was so impactful to be there, to see all those families, to see the slideshows of their loved ones, hear their stories, and to share with them my perspective on what their gift meant. I’ve been able to share what I’ve learned with patients who are feeling guilty, who are grieving, who are struggling, and talk about the care that’s given to the donors and the donor families. As you celebrate 40, I want all HonorBridge employees to know that I just appreciate your work so much. It’s been a beautiful collaboration. Keep up the good work.”
