A beloved California pediatric nurse knew that her legacy of love and caring didn't have to end when she died. Patrice Sanders, 59, was a nurse for 36 years, and in her final act of love she donated her organs to children after suffering a brain bleed in early June. Staff and family gathered at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno on June 13, 2024, for an "honor walk" as Sanders was wheeled into the operating room for one final surgery.
Dozens of loved ones lined the hallway to say goodbye to Sanders and to thank her for her years of service and the positive impact her organ donation would make. The video of the incredible moment will likely bring a tear to your eyes.
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Patrice Sanders became ill, and her health declined rapidly.
Paige Sanders told WLOX her sister hadn't been feeling well, and doctors told her she had gastroenteritis. As she continued to feel sick, her sister took Patrice Sanders back to the hospital and the staff determined she'd had a bilateral stroke. Patrice Sanders' health declined rapidly, and her sister spoke with medical staff about her prognosis.
"We had a meeting with the surgeon who told us that her probable outcome was not going to be favorable, that she would have many disabilities," Paige Sanders told WLOX.
Her sister had end-of-life wishes the family honored, including her desire to donate her organs.
Patrice Sanders was inspired by her patients.
Paige Sanders told the news station that after many years caring for children, her sister faced many deaths but also a chance at new life.
"You know, she saw many children die at Valley Children's during her time there as an RN, and she always had a great respect for the children who donated their organs," she shared.
Patrice Sanders loved her job.
Paige Sanders told USA Today that her sister didn't love needles but donated blood because she knew it was important. She was kind and generous and always thought about others.
"Even though she was a nurse and she could give shots and start IVs, she hated a needle going into her own arm, and yet she went and gave blood as often as she could," Paige Sanders said.
She worked for decades at Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, California. The nurse was loving and generous and her coworkers knew it. In fact, they were the ones who suggested the honor walk.
She was an inspiration to many.
The day of the honor walk, dozens lined the halls as Patrice Sanders was taken to the operating room.
"It was a mixture of the RNs and doctors that worked with Patrice at the children's hospital and a mixture of the nurses and doctors at CRMC who had cared for Patrice," Paige Sanders told USA Today. "We had family members and close friends … who were all a part of the honor walk."
The experience touched Patrice Sanders. "It was amazing to see that support," she added.
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Organ donors save thousands of lives each year.
About 46,000 organ transplants were performed in the United States in 2023 alone, according to organdonor.gov. The organization notes that every organ donor has the power to save eight lives and can improve the lives of 75 more.
More than 100,000 people are on the organ transplant list in the US alone, and 17 people die each day waiting for a transplant, the organization shares. But because of people like Patrice Sanders, lives are also saved daily.
"She loved well, was well loved and is continuing to love others that she doesn't even know," Paige Sanders told WLXO.
