SODA: Student Organ Donation Advocates, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering students to save lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation advocacy, proudly announces a historic achievement: the establishment of more than 100 high school, college, and graduate school chapters across the United States.
Founded in 2014 at Washington University in St. Louis by Sara Royf (née Miller), SODA was inspired by the legacy of Royf’s sister, Laura, an organ donor who gave the gift of life. What began as a tribute to Laura became a national movement, mobilizing students to educate their peers about donation and increase donor registrations.
Today, SODA boasts 113 chapters (and counting) nationwide, working alongside 32 Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs). Together, these chapters have educated over 150,000 individuals about organ, eye, and tissue donation and registered more than 9,400 new donors.
“This milestone reflects the collective dedication of our students, staff, partners, and supporters,” said Nicole Nidea, SODA’s Program Director. “When we set our goal to reach 100 chapters by the end of 2025, we knew it was ambitious. Achieving it a year early is a testament to the passion of our community and the critical need for our work.”
The timing of this milestone is significant. Over 103,000 Americans are currently on the national transplant waiting list. SODA’s growing presence on campuses nationwide is driving awareness and inspiring action to address this urgent need. As SODA continues to grow, the network of student advocates will continue to grow and save more lives.
Looking ahead, SODA remains focused on deepening its impact through strategic partnerships and expanded support for student leaders. “This achievement is a moment to celebrate,” said Nidea, “but it also reminds us of the work still to be done. We’re committed to equipping students with the tools to continue creating life-saving change.”
SODA invites individuals and organizations to join its mission by subscribing to updates on its website.
With over 100 chapters now leading the charge, SODA is building a future where every student can make a life-saving difference.
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