A 1,100-Mile Journey Across Borders to Save Lives Through Organ Donation

Note: A video accompanying this press release shares Scott's inspiring story, including the honor walk held in his memory.

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESSWIRE / December 17, 2024 / In a final act of generosity, Lt. Col. Michael "Scott" Flurry-a devoted Marine, husband, and father of four-overcame seemingly impossible odds to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor.

In the U.S., only 3 in 1,000 deaths occur in a way that allows for donation after death. Scott faced an even greater challenge-after suffering an unexpected heart attack, he was declared brain-dead in Norway, more than 1,100 miles away from home. Despite the international hurdle, his wife, Lindsay Flurry, was determined to share Scott's lifesaving gifts with others.

"When I saw Scott, he looked so strong, handsome, and bold. It seemed like he was just sleeping," said Lindsay. "That's part of why I was so committed to donation-his body was so healthy."

Lindsay navigated complex international circumstances to fulfill Scott's final act of generosity, aided by HonorBridge, North Carolina's largest organ donation and tissue recovery organization, his medical team in Norway, and the U.S. Marine Corps. In February 2024, Scott was flown across borders via private jet to Camp Lejeune before being taken by ambulance to HonorBridge's Donor Care Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

In a moving tribute, an honor walk was held at HonorBridge's Donor Care Center preceding the recovery of Scott's liver, kidneys, and tissues. His final act of generosity brought hope and healing to many-including a 15-year-old girl, a fellow serviceman, and a mother of four. His tissue donations will continue to benefit patients needing grafts for bone, tendon, heart valves, and more, creating a lasting impact that cannot be measured.

"I love knowing that he lives on, and that he continues to help, provide, and love others, even after his passing," said Lindsay. "Scott's final mission was to give life."

Through Scott's story, HonorBridge celebrates the hope that organ, eye, and tissue donation can bring and encourages everyone to consider registering as donors. To register, visit honorbridge.org/registerme.

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About HonorBridge:

HonorBridge is the federally designated, not-for-profit organ donation and tissue recovery organization serving 7.5 million people in 77 counties in North Carolina, along with Pittsylvania County in Virginia. With offices in Chapel Hill, Greenville, and Winston-Salem, HonorBridge is devoted to building connections that save and heal lives through organ and tissue donation. In North Carolina, almost 3,000 people are currently waiting for organ transplants and nationally, over 100,000 people are on the organ waiting list. For more information, visit HonorBridge.org or call 1-800-200-2672.

Contact Information

Dena Daw
Media Relations Content Writer
ddaw@honorbridge.org
9192590716

Chuck Heald
Director of Advocacy & Marketing
cheald@honorbridge.org
9192261237

Related Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc1oip9g2vw

SOURCE: HonorBridge