The tragic tale of Meg Hearnden, a former soccer athlete at Southeast Missouri State University, has become a powerful narrative of hope and transformation through organ donation. As remembered by Nate Sabino, Director of Athletics for External Affairs at the university, Meg, a promising nursing student and soccer player, tragically lost her life following an accident while riding her scooter to a hospital internship. Despite the heartbreak of her passing, Meg’s decision to be an organ donor facilitated life-saving procedures for seven individuals, ensuring that her legacy extended beyond her time.
The Southeast Missouri State University community, in conjunction with Mid-America Transplant, commemorates Meg’s impact annually through the Meg Hearnden Donate Life game. Mid-America Transplant, a vital organization based in St. Louis, manages organ donations across a multi-state region. Their partnership aids in promoting awareness about the critical importance and life-affirming outcomes of organ and tissue donation. The event, notably supported by both the university and opposing teams, is a testament to Meg’s indelible influence and serves to remind attendees of the significant potentials of organ donation.
Each year, the university’s soccer team dons blue and green uniforms, the symbolic colors of organ donation, deviating from their usual red and black as a tribute to Meg. The game begins with a poignant ceremony involving ten players on the field, honoring Meg’s defensive position in the team. The festivities underscore the imperative of organ donation awareness, offering insights into how such decisions can indelibly transform lives.
Encouraging the community to partake in this cause, event-goers are invited to show their support by attending the match on September 22nd. Organ donors can gain free admission and receive commemorative blue and green t-shirts, symbolizing their contribution to life-saving efforts. Additionally, Peace Love Energy will offer complimentary drinks in celebration of this significant event. The day not only commemorates Meg’s life but also seeks to engage the community in essential conversations about organ and tissue donation, with hopes of inspiring more individuals to register as donors.
