Forrest General Hospital raises flag for Mississippi Organ Recovery Association

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – April 10 is Blue and Green Day, a day to honor the lives of those who have donated tissue, eyes and organs.

Medical professionals and the grieving family of Carter Bourque, an organ donor, gathered at Forrest General Hospital for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Association flag raising.

Kandise Courtney, Bourque’s mother, spoke today, saying her son Carter will always be remembered for donating life.

“I stand here not only to honor my son, but to remind others of the incredible power of giving life. I pray for families that are grieving like we are,” she said.

Courtney says that Carter’s story inspired others to become donors at a young age.

Forrest General Hospital’s development coordinator, Joel Stevens, became an organ donor at the age of 15.

He says that his decision was easy because he wanted to help save lives.

“I knew at 15 that I wanted to help people. If we have one donor, one organ donor can save up to eight lives through a life-saving transplant,” Stevens said. “Then if that person is also a tissue and eye donor, then they can save and help up to 75 lives through transplant.”

Members of MORA say there are many misconceptions surrounding organ donation.

“One of the biggest things I’ve heard is ‘Oh, if I’m an organ donor, they’re not going to save me,” said MORA family care specialist Anna McLaurin.

MORA says that hospitals are needed to save lives, and the donor’s health and well-being are a top priority throughout the process.

“With the opportunity to donate, if they do not save you, then we are unable to even offer the opportunity of donation, let alone save lives afterwards,” Organ recovery coordinator Camron Clark said.

Anybody who is looking to become a donor can register through the Department of Motor Vehicles when getting or renewing their license.

Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2026 WDAM. All rights reserved.