Earlier this week, Otis Carter, Jr. died unexpectedly and saved lives as an organ donor. He is among the oldest deceased organ donors on record in Indiana, highlighting the fact that people of all ages can be donor heroes.

Otis’ liver and kidneys were recovered for lifesaving transplants. His heart and lungs were also recovered for medical research, which has the potential to save and heal additional lives. The recovery took place at MHP Medical Center in Shelbyville. Doctors, nurses and other staff at MHP Medical Center conducted an honor walk for Otis.

Otis’ family told Indiana Donor Network, “Otis served in the Air Force and was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Home. Serving his community and others was so important to him.” Born in Evansville, Indiana, Otis was married to his wife, Leudith, for 35 years. They had two daughters. Otis loved sports, especially Indiana University football and basketball. He worked for the Department of Transportation.

Older adults often take themselves off of the donor registry, thinking they are too old to donate or that existing medical conditions will prevent them from being donors. The reality is that people of any age can become donor heroes, even with existing medical conditions. The 114,000 people on the national transplant waiting list are counting on all of us to register and talk with our families.

Registering as a donor takes less than 30 seconds at IndianaDonorNetwork.org or at the BMV.