The oldest organ donor in the US is 98 years old.
A 98-year-old man meets his fate in a tragic accident but leaves a lasting legacy by donating his liver. Orville Allen - an ex-soldier in World War II and the Korean War - is believed to be the oldest American to have donated an organ, according to transplantation organizations.
Although Allen seemed healthy for his age, a fall during a storm left him with a severe brain injury, and he tragically passed away on May 29. The significant organ donation was carried out by Mid-America Transplant, who successfully transplanted Allen's liver into a lucky 72-year-old woman.
Allen was involved in clean-up efforts after a storm hit his home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on May 27. During this time, he fell, hitting the back of his head hard. The family prepared for the inevitable news of his demise, however, a question from hospital staff came as a surprise - could they donate his liver? Surprisingly, doctors determined that the elder's organ was still feasible for donation.
In a heartfelt gesture, the family didn't have to think twice. "Our father was always there to help someone in need - even if it was through his death," says his daughter, Linda Mitchell. "This was not just the sad loss of our father but also a small ray of hope. He made one last gift."
The previous record-holder was Cecil Lockhart, a 95-year-old West Virginian, who in 2021 had his liver donated upon his death. This remarkable organ transplant was managed by the Center for Organ Recovery & Education.
Over 100,000 people currently wait for a life-saving organ transplant in the United States, and many of them never make it to receive one.
The family of the old soldier who had also died in a tragic accident said they would have their loved one's donation of his liver viewed affectionately as one last sacrifice to help someone else. "We saw this as a small light at the end of a dark moment for us," Mitchell added.
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Organ donation initiatives in the USA are vital, given that over 100,000 individuals are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.An inspiring stories of organ donation in the USA includes that of Orville Allen, who at 98, became the oldest American to donate an organ internationally, his liver was transplanted in another country.
