The University of Alabama at Birmingham softball team will take on in-state rival Jacksonville State University as part of the second annual “Donate Life Night with UAB Softball,” at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 4, at Mary Bowers Field.
The teams will honor Trussville resident Tonya Jackson and Jacksonville State alumnus Justin Sollohub, as well as others who have either died waiting for a transplant or registered to be organ donors upon death.
The Alabama Organ Center will co-host the event and help those who attend learn more about what it means to be an organ donor upon death. Those in attendance also will be able to register on-site to become organ donors upon death.
Trussville resident Andy Jackson lost his wife, Tonya, suddenly and unexpectedly in the fall of 2015 with interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis. Her time from diagnosis to death was quick, and while a transplant likely would have been possible to help try to save Jackson’s life, a suitable donor could not be found in time.
Sollohub, an Anniston native and police officer, was killed in the line of duty in 2011. He was a registered organ donor who helped four other families receive a second chance upon his death.
A pregame wellness fair also will take place prior to the game, and special $3 tickets are available for groups of 15 or more. For tickets or more information, visit uabsports.com or call 205-975-UAB1.