A man of Kentucky, Anthony Thomas “TJ” Hoover IIdeclared brain dead after a cardiac arrest, he woke up while the doctors were about to take his blood organs for the donation. The incident, which occurred in October 2021, is now under investigation by state and federal authorities. The Guardian reports it.
Hoover’s sister, Donna Rhorersaid his brother was taken to the hospital Baptist Health Of Richmond due to aoverdose. Doctors had told the family that Hoover didn’t show brain activity and, on the advice of specialists, they had decided to stop life support. Since Hoover had expressed a desire to donate his organs, the hospital proceeded with tests to evaluate his willingness donationalso organizing a ceremony in his honor.
During the organ harvesting operation, a doctor interrupted the process, announcing that Hoover had “awakened.” Hoover was brought home by his sister, who has cared for him ever since, despite his difficulties walking and speaking.
THE’Baptist hospital and the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates (Koda) have issued statements, claiming that they have never performed organ harvesting from living people and that the facts have been misinterpreted. Meanwhile, the case is under investigation by the competent authorities.
Despite the concerns of some experts about the possible impact of this case on the system of organ transplantwith a waiting list of over 100,000 people, Rhorer decided to make his brother’s story public to give courage to other families and prevent future similar incidents.