A Job Well Done

September 11, 2019: For Vincent Alderson, promoting organ donation was about more than just doing his job. It was about creating a lasting movement of goodwill.

Mission accomplished.

A memorial stands in the main hallway of Orange Park Medical Center due in large part to the efforts of our friend and co-worker who served as a hospital services coordinator at LifeQuest for six years. His name appears not once, but twice on The Vince Alderson
Donor Memorial Wall created in his namesake. Vince was also a tissue donor.

“He was always a pleasure to work with because you knew that advocating for our patients and their families was his top priority,” said Sarah Miller, injury prevention coordinator at Orange Park Medical Center near Jacksonville. “I never met him in the hospital without a positive greeting and a smile.”

Miller worked closely with Vince on the hospital’s annual National Donate Life Month celebration to honor organ donors and raise awareness among staff and in the community. It was during this time that Vince told Miller he wanted donors honored in a more permanent way through a memorial at the hospital. They were researching design options when Vince passed away last June.

“He felt that families would be able to connect and keep the memory of their loved one alive through a memorial,” Miller said. “We felt very strongly about continuing with the construction and dedicating the wall in memory of Vince.”

Family, friends, and hospital staff gathered for an unveiling ceremony at the Vince Alderson Donor Memorial Wall in July. Brightly-lit and colorful, it features an interactive touch screen where visitors can learn more about the lives of these unsung heroes. Large panels on either side of the display list the names of donors who chose to share the gift of life.

Among those honored is Deputy Ben Zirbel, the Clay County deputy who died in a crash last August. According to information listed by the memorial, Zirbel’s gift helped at least five people, including a 70-year-old man who received his heart.

Vince and his megawatt smile are featured prominently on the display, making it difficult for visitors to walk by without notice. An unassuming family man and fitness buff, he never intended to be front and center. He chose instead to work behind-the-scenes at hospitals in Tallahassee and Jacksonville with the goal of securing an organ transplant for every patient in need. Vince was passionate about ensuring the memory of organ donors.

“What I will remember and treasure most about Vince is his great attitude and gratitude for what he did for a living,” said Kathleen Giery, director of donor program development for LifeQuest. “He loved this field and had unwavering respect for our donors and their families. Each time he talked about a case, rather than say “donor,” he would say “soul,” often predicated by “precious” or “young” or some other term of endearment.”

Most people want to know their life matters. Vince’s did. He made a difference by contributing to the lives of others. His deeds and his actions all made a difference. He simply did his job and inspired others. Nothing grandiose.

“Vince loved to be as involved in the process as possible and to the greatest extent that his job would allow,” said Danielle Balbis, executive director of LifeQuest. “He was so good at trouble-shooting when we were having issues in a hospital. If complications arose during a case, Vince was the one we wanted onsite.”

Vince’s life is proof that a remarkable legacy can be unintended. His passion and purpose were evident, and while his seat may be filled, his shoes never will.

“His calming effect was a welcome attribute for anxious families in our units burdened with heavy decisions,” Miller said. “Many staff and families have been excited to see Vince’s name on our wall above the new memorial along with his photos and story. He is missed but definitely not forgotten.”

“To our friend and colleague, who left us too young and too soon, rest in peace, Vince,” Giery said. “You are missed.”

Here’s to a life and a job well done.

 

This link will take you to a short video of the unveiling ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/LifeQuestFla/videos/428759977848621/

(By Kim Gilmore)