FMOL Health | St. Dominic team members honored with Spero Awards during Donate Life Month

JANS – Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) recently honored St. Dominic Hospital team members with Spero Awards in two categories:

• Hospital Leadership Champion | Wendy Roberts, RN, Senior Director of Nursing 

• Most Supportive Ancillary or Healthcare Staff | Emanuel Godfrey, Transport Respiratory Therapist

Awards were presented during a flag-raising event at St. Dominic Hospital to recognize National Donate Life Month.   

The SPERO Award for Hospital Leadership Champion recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in their commitment to donation and help foster a culture where donation is supported and valued.

As Senior Director of Nursing, SPERO honoree Wendy Roberts brings that commitment to life every day. She supports her team in doing things the right way and ensures every opportunity to help others through donation is honored. Her compassion, steady leadership, and dedication to patients and families truly set her apart.

The SPERO Award for Most Supportive Ancillary or Healthcare Staff honors team members whose behind-the-scenes contributions make donation possible.

This year’s honoree, Emanuel Godfrey, is a transport respiratory therapist at St. Dominic known for his positive attitude and willingness to help wherever he’s needed. During one case, even as his shift was ending, Godfrey chose to stay to ensure a donor was transported to the operating room smoothly and with care. His commitment and teamwork make a meaningful impact on every case he supports.

“SPERO Award winners represent the very best of who we are at FMOL Health | St. Dominic; people who show up every day with heart, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to others,” said Jeremy Tinnerello, Regional President, FMOL Health | St. Dominic and FMOL Health | St. Francis. “These individuals and teams remind us that healing extends far beyond clinical care. We are grateful to MORA for shining a light on their compassion, teamwork, and the meaningful impact they have on patients, families, and one another.”

“Donation begins with a decision to say yes and is made possible by compassionate, committed healthcare teams. Wendy and Emanuel reflect the very best of that partnership, helping turn loss into hope,” said Kevin Stump, MORA President/CEO.

Observed each April, National Donate Life Month was established by Donate Life America in 2003 to raise awareness about donation, encourage donor registration, and honor those who have given the gift of life. The SPERO Award program was created by MORA more than a decade ago to recognize hospital partners, medical professionals, and community members who help make donation possible.

A new patient is added to the national transplant waiting list every eight minutes, and an average of 13 people die each day waiting for a lifesaving transplant. More than 100,000 people nationwide – including over 1,000 Mississippians – are currently waiting, with nearly 90% in need of a kidney transplant.

One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can heal or improve the lives of 75 or more people. Join more than 1.2 million Mississippians who have registered as donors on the Mississippi Donor Registry by visiting www.registerme.org.