Nurse Gail Tolcou reflects on personal journey in organ donation

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Organ donation is one of the most powerful and selfless gifts a person can give. This April, Mercy South took time to honor those who have made that choice.

Even with medical advances, the need is still great. Mid-America Transplant reports that over 1,600 people in Missouri and nearly 4,000 in Illinois are currently waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. 

At Mercy South, the importance of that gift was reflected in a simple, moving tribute. Perched on a window to the courtyard were 160 birds, with each representing an individual who chose to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Nearby, 21 white roses honored donors whose generosity led to 49 life-saving transplants. 

Mercy South holds an annual Donate Life ceremony, where families, hospital staff, and the community come together to remember, reflect, and celebrate the lives saved through organ and tissue donation. For many, it is a deeply emotional and healing experience.

For Gail Tolcou, a nurse at Mercy South with nearly 19 years of experience in critical care, this year’s ceremony was especially personal. In October, her family experienced a devastating loss when her nephew, Daniel, died by suicide. In the midst of grief, Gail’s family made the decision to donate Daniel’s organs ultimately saving five lives.

“His honor walk was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen,” Gail shared. “And I’ve attended a lot of them.” The honor walk is a quiet, powerful moment when hospital staff and loved ones line the hallways to honor a donor’s final gift.

Having seen both sides of the process professionally and personally, Gail understands just how profound the impact of organ donation can be. “To get the same patient post-transplant, it’s like seeing a brand-new person,” she said.

Heather Montgomery, Director of Hospital Services at Mid-America Transplant, added that the journey of organ donation begins long before a donor is identified. Their team of hospital development staff and family support coordinators works closely with hospitals and potential donor families to guide them through every step.

One of the most important parts of the process, Gail says, is communication. “Make sure you’re on the donor registry, and just as importantly, talk to your family. When they know your wishes, it makes things so much easier in a hard moment.”

For those interested in donating to someone they know or joining the national transplant list, the process can be started by contacting the hospital transplant programs.