The annual Legacy for Hope event, hosted by Troy University, is a beacon of hope and compassion aimed at advocating for organ donation. This heartfelt initiative is sponsored by the Student Organ Donation Advocacy Group (SODA) in collaboration with Legacy of Hope.
This year’s event was graced by two esteemed guest speakers, Emily Whatley and Dr. Fred Helms, whose insights and experiences deeply resonated with attendees. Emily Whatley, a Troy University alumna, graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
She currently works at Children’s of Alabama in one-day surgery. Whatley is married with two children, and her youngest, Romme, who is just 9 months old, had a heart transplant in November. Whatley shared her touching story, expressing how honored she was to be part of this event.
Dr. Fred Helms, Assistant Dean at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dothan, Ala., brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the event. Prior to his current role, Helms served as a coordinator and regional manager of the Alabama Organ Center (Legacy of Hope) for 22 years.
He was on call for organ donation cases, donation consent, and organ procurement. Helms also led professional and public education efforts concerning organ and tissue donation and managed both donor family and transplant recipient support groups. His extensive experience with hundreds of donor cases provided invaluable insights into the importance and impact of organ donation.
The event took place in front of Jones Hall, where a welcoming tent was set up offering snacks, drinks, and karaoke. This nurturing and engaging setup attracted several students, with an estimated attendance of 75-80 individuals. The atmosphere was lively and inclusive, providing an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about organ donation in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The event concluded with a formal presentation, where the guest speakers, along with Abby McNeill from Legacy of Hope, delivered inspiring and impactful speeches. Their heartfelt presentations underscored the critical need for organ donors and the life-saving potential of organ donation, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Dr. Kim Andrews, the faculty sponsor, shared her thoughts on the event: “The Legacy for Hope event is a testament to the power of community and the incredible impact we can have when we come together for a cause. Seeing the enthusiasm and support from our students and faculty is truly inspiring. Organ donation is a gift of life, and our efforts here today will undoubtedly make a difference.”
Overall, the Legacy for Hope event successfully fostered awareness and advocacy for organ donation within the Troy University community. The efforts of SODA and Legacy of Hope continue to inspire and educate, nurturing a spirit of generosity and compassion that makes a significant difference in the lives of many.
