Julia M. Snyder

Associate News Editor 

Millersville University began National Donate Life month with a day-long event that focused on educating the community on how to “Leave a Legacy.”

‘Ville Gives Life took place in the SMC atrium and was hosted by the Millersville University chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). The event is part of a larger competition that Millersville University’s chapter of PRSSA is participating in; the National Organ Donation Awareness Competition (NODAC). The event featured games, food and guest speakers who have personal experience with organ donation.

Those who attended ‘Ville Gives life were able to play cornhole, register to be an organ donor and write encouragement cards. There also were tables for on-campus organizations such as PSECU, The Center for Health Education and Promotion and the University Activity Board. Each table offered a new perspective to apply to general health and organ donation.

According to Maggi Mumma, secretary and special events chairperson of Millersville’s PRSSA chapter, ‘Ville Gives Life was planned to remind people that there is more than one way to pay it forward in life.

“It [organ donations] happens in your community. It’s right around you so [‘Ville Gives Life] kind of puts it into perspective,” said Mumma.

The PRSSA event featured five speakers, two of whom were members of the Millersville community. Each speaker offered personal accounts of how organ donations have affected their lives, whether it be from an organ received or given. The community members who shared their stories included Millersville University students Ashley Duross and Jeff Harrison. There also was a presentation from Monica and Tony Forte, who are Donate Life Pennsylvania representatives.

Monica Forte, the mother of Tony Forte, summed up the message of ‘Ville Gives Life; “Life is priceless. So, if you want to give the greatest gift of life, be an organ donor.”