ST. LOUIS (AP) — Orville Allen, a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War and a longtime educator in rural southeastern Missouri, passed away at the age of 98 leaving behind a legacy of service. In his final act of giving, his liver was donated, making him the oldest American to ever donate an organ, as confirmed by transplant organizations. He passed away on May 29, and his liver was successfully transplanted to a 72-year-old woman by Mid-America Transplant.
Allen’s health was strong until he had a fall while clearing storm debris at his home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on May 27, as shared by his daughter Linda Mitchelle. Following the fall, he sustained a head injury and was transported to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.
Unfortunately, the swelling around Allen’s brain could not be resolved. As the family prepared to say their final goodbyes, hospital staff approached with a request: would they consider donating Allen’s liver?
Given Allen’s age, the question was unexpected for the family. However, after an examination by surgeons who confirmed the acceptability of the organ for transplant, the family agreed without hesitation.
“It turned it from being such a sad loss of our dad to having this little ray of joy because he was doing what he’d done all his life,” expressed Mitchelle. “He was giving one more gift.”
Historically, Cecil Lockhart of West Virginia was recognized as the oldest person to donate an organ upon death, according to the Center for Organ Recovery & Education. However, Allen’s selfless act now holds the record, demonstrating the growing trend of organ donations from older individuals.
With advancements in medical science, the number of organ transplants continues to rise. Last year saw a record number of donations from deceased individuals and successful transplants, as per data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). However, the demand for organs remains high, with over 100,000 people on the waiting list in the U.S., many of whom may not survive the wait. Scientists are exploring alternative solutions to address the ongoing shortage.
According to Kevin Lee, President and CEO of Mid-America Transplant, older adults now have the opportunity to contribute to organ donation, emphasizing that age should not be a limiting factor in the evaluation process.
Allen, a lifelong veteran and educator in southeast Missouri, served his community selflessly throughout his life. His act of donating his liver at 98 years old serves as an inspiration for others to consider organ donation and potentially save lives.
In the midst of their grief, Allen’s family finds solace in knowing that his final act of giving has touched the lives of others in a meaningful way.
