Paying tribute to local heroes through an official Honor Walk

Commemorating patients through an honor walk — a ceremonial procession that acknowledges a selfless contribution — ensures their legacy lives on.

On two separate occasions, Betsy Burdette, nursing house supervisor at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital (HRH), coordinated official Honor Walks through HRH’s hallways to pay tribute to fallen local heroes. The walks foster a profound sense of gratitude and unity and leave a lasting memory for families and communities.

The first Honor Walk at HRH celebrated a local first responder who became critically ill. When the family made the decision to withdraw care, Burdette embraced the opportunity to provide support.

“I knew that we needed to figure out what the family wanted and what we could do to support them at the hospital,” said Burdette. “I wanted to make sure that we were providing human care in addition to community care.”

She worked with his family and local first responders to send him off with an official Honor Walk. The hospital halls were lined with HRH staff, his family and his friends as first responder coworkers led the procession through HRH.

“It’s about honoring this local hero and his family. Giving them something positive to remember and making sure they know the community is here for them is what’s important to me.”

Burdette also coordinated an Honor Walk for a local military veteran. She reached out to the veteran’s local branch, and they happily donated a U.S. flag to raise at HRH and supported the ceremony.

On the day of his Honor Walk, the flag was lowered in front of more than 50 family members and friends gathered around the hospital’s flagpole. It was then taken to the veteran’s room and draped over him for transport to the donor center.

The veteran’s final act of service – organ donation – would help as many as 12 people.

“It took a lot of coordinating with our hospital and other groups but honoring him and paying the respect he deserved for his service to our nation and his donation meant a great deal,” said Burdette.

Family, friends and hospital staff lined the hallways for his transport. The veteran was escorted by his branch’s Honor Guard to the ambulance bay.

TAPS — a bugle call played at memorial ceremonies conducted by the Armed Forces — was played by his comrades for his final journey.

In a recent Celebrating You nomination, Stephanie De Jesus, director of patient services at HRH, honored Burdette for her unwavering willingness to take time during her personal schedule to assist in the planning of both events.

“Betsy deeply believes that these Honor Walks are a profound way to honor the patient and their families for the invaluable service they have given to our nation and our communities. The ceremonies were a true testament of her commitment to improving lives at all stages of care.”