Up until a few months ago, 19-year-old Madeline Rae Short of Petal was studying Biology Pre-Med at the University of Southern Mississippi to achieve her fervent desire to become a hematologist to help others and their families.
Unfortunately, that dream was cut short in March, when Madeline passed away from complications of the rare autoimmune disorder idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura – but her death was not in vain, as an organ donation gifted by Madeline enabled another person to continue living their life. Madeline, along with several other organ donors from the area, recently were honored during a June 26 unveiling of the “Wall of Heroes” at Forrest General Hospital, which is located on the first floor near the elevators, pays tribute to those patients who have given the gift of life through organ, tissue or eye donations.
“Every (individual) on our honor wall represents and extraordinary gift – a gift of life, a gift of hope, a gift of new beginnings,” said Kaityln Cox, who serves as Intensive Care Unit manager at the hospital. “This honor wall is a reflective way to be able to recognize the selflessness and generosity of the individuals who have given the gift of life and improved the quality of life for countless others.
“All donors and families make incredible sacrifices, often during times of profound personal grief, to help strangers in need. We celebrate their legacies through this honor wall, and can share their stories and the impact that they have made. Forrest General has long been a beacon in the field of organ donation, consistently earning recognition as an annual top-performing hospital.”
The Wall of Heroes is a collaborative effort between Forrest General Hospital, the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency and the Mississippi Lion’s Eye Bank. It features a video monitor displaying photos and a legacy statement about each donor submitted by their loved ones as a testament to their generous gifts.
Currently, 41 donors are recognized on the wall with more to be added as new donor families wish to participate.
The artwork on the wall, which was created by Forrest General Hospital surgical nurse Jessica Byrd, features a large magnolia tree with falling leaves and the following inscription:
The falling leaves represent the selfless gift of life from our donors.
The blooms symbolize the promise of a future for our recipients.
We honor our donors for their selfless last gift – the gift of life.
“As a surgical nurse, this really pulled at my heart,” Byrd told the crowd assembled at the unveiling. “I’ve taken your families to the operating room, I’ve watched them take their last breath and I’ve watched when we found out that someone else was given hope (because of an organ donation).
“I’ve cried with you, I’ve cried with my co-workers, and it really isn’t until you see that moment that you realize how special life is, and how it can change so suddenly. I tried to think of something that could be representative of the different seasons of our lives, and how the end of someone’s earthly life can be the beginning of another’s.”
In Madeline’s case, her contribution began in December 2023, when she lost her driver’s license. After going to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Hattiesburg to obtain a new one, she came back home to show it to her mother Miranda Short, who immediately recognized the heart symbol on the card.
That icon signifies that the holder of the card has signed up to be an organ donor in the event of their death.
“The people that were put in our path, and the stories that were told to us, I will forever be grateful for MORA,” Miranda said. “I will forever be grateful for that team; I will forever be grateful for that team, and I will forever be grateful to Madeline for having something put on her heart and following through with that.
“It’s overwhelming, it’s painful, but the amount of people it saves is immeasurable.”
