News Summary
On April 16, 2025, Self Regional Medical Center hosted the ‘Legacy of Life’ ceremony in Greenwood, celebrating organ donors and unveiling the Legacy of Life Tree. This emotional event honored the generosity of organ donors and the impact their decisions have on many lives. Families, nurses, and transplant recipients gathered to share stories of gratitude, with a total of 300 leaves representing individual donors, reinforcing the importance of organ donation in the community.
Self Regional Medical Center’s Touching Tribute to Organ Donors in Greenwood
On April 16, 2025, the atmosphere inside Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood was filled with the warmth of heartfelt gratitude and remembrance. The hospital hosted a heartfelt ceremony dubbed the Legacy of Life that brought families, nurses, and transplant recipients together to unveil a meaningful installation—the Legacy of Life Tree. This emotional gathering served as a powerful reminder of the selfless individuals who chose to donate their organs, giving the gift of life to others.
A Symbol of Hope and Gratitude
The Legacy of Life Tree was meticulously designed and built by Jim Slagel, with considerable support from the dedicated staff of the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Each metallic leaf on this splendid tree represents a personal story of generosity, with the installation showcasing a stunning total of 300 leaves symbolizing the individual organ donors.
Among those honored during the ceremony, six remarkable souls were acknowledged: Frank Whitt, Ryan Doolittle, Samantha Long, Thomas Richardson, Bessie Darbie, and Roseanne Napier Riddick. The family of Frank Whitt was especially poignant in their reflections, recalling how he himself had once received a heart transplant before eventually becoming a donor. This cycle of giving and receiving underscores the profound connection that organ donation fosters among strangers turned family.
A Heartfelt Gathering
As attendees filled the hospital’s atrium, a sense of unity and compassion enveloped the room. Matthew Logan, the president and CEO at Self Regional Healthcare, took a moment to marvel at the compassion and care displayed not only by staff but also by the families who made the heroic choice to donate. The event resonated deeply with everyone present, showcasing how lives can be altered in unexpected ways thanks to the generosity of a kind few.
In a touching testimony, nurse Monique Jones, shared her personal experience of receiving a kidney and pancreas transplant after years of supporting organ donation. Her story beautifully illustrated the journey from a supporter to a living beneficiary, highlighting the crucial role organ donors play in shaping the destinies of those suffering from organ failure.
A Tree Rooted in Local History
The trunk of the Legacy of Life Tree is crafted from wood sourced from Grendel Mill, a local establishment that has stood strong since 1897. This deep-rooted connection illustrates not only the significance of the tree but also the importance of community and the local history of Greenwood.
Inspiring Change and Awareness
The Legacy of Life Tree serves a dual purpose: it honors the brave individuals who chose to donate their organs and celebrates the lives saved through their heroism. Attendees at the ceremony shared heartfelt testimonials reflecting on how organ donation has drastically impacted their lives. Many expressed the importance of spreading awareness and encouraging others to register as donors.
With over 100,000 individuals across the U.S. currently waiting for life-saving transplants—more than 3,000 of whom reside in South Carolina—the Legacy of Life Tree aims to inspire action within the community. Calista Anderson from We Are Sharing Hope SC emphasized that registered organ donors receive the same excellent level of medical care in emergencies as non-donors. This important message is crucial in alleviating fears and misconceptions surrounding organ donation.
A Lasting Legacy
By continuing to engage in conversations around organ donation and sharing powerful stories, the Legacy of Life Tree aims to preserve the legacies of donors and champion the movement to transform lives through the act of giving. As the tree stands tall in the heart of Self Regional Medical Center, it serves as a constant reminder of the immense impact and hope that comes from one incredibly selfless choice.
In the end, the Legacy of Life Tree is more than just a physical structure; it is a vibrant testament to hope, compassion, and humanity’s ability to connect over one of the most generous acts imaginable.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Leaves of Legacy
- Wikipedia: Organ Donation
- Washington Post: Transplant System Overhaul
- Google Search: Organ Donation Awareness
- Literary Hub: Game Theory and Organ Donation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Organ Transplantation
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
