Boone Memorial Hospital held its annual Centers for Recovery and Education (CORE) Flag Raising Ceremony and National Wear Blue & Green Day on Friday, April 22.
The community and health care facilities across the nation were encouraged to wear blue and green to promote the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor.
Flag Raising Ceremony Speakers:
Emcee: Karlie Belle Price, Director of Public Relations, Communications, and Grants Management
Speakers: Brian Keith, BMH Director of ED Nursing & Trauma Services and Jessica Wheeler, CORE Professional Service Liaison & Donor Family Support Coordinator
Keynote Speaker: Paul Ronk of Alum Creek, WV. Paul’s 22-year-old son, Jacob David Ronk, passed away unexpectedly Easter weekend of April 2017. Paul shared his touching story that through organ donation, Jacob saved the lives of 6 individuals: Gordan, who now has Jacob’s heart; Jeff, the man with Jacob’s liver — two others who have Jacob’s kidneys, and two individuals in Morocco who now see life through Jacob’s corneas.
Paul shared a recording of Jacob’s heart, in a stuffed bear, which was a gift from Gordan.
“We are so proud that Jacob made this choice; we stand today to honor him,” said Paul. “Tragedy and sorrow can coexist with joy and thankfulness. We experience them all daily. Consider being an organ donor. The decision can make a difficult time much easier for your family — and it can change lives of those who receive them. We will miss our son until our last breath. We are so thankful that parts of him live on.”
Winner of BMH Wear Blue & Green Day most creatively dressed:
Annie Broom (BMH Clerk)
Become an organ donor here.
A complete photo gallery from the event can be viewed here.
