Annual Heather Miller Memorial Golf Classic raises money for nursing students
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WHEELING - The 19th annual Heather Miller Memorial Golf Classic was held Friday, raising money for Ohio Valley nursing students and awareness of organ donation and safe, alcohol-free driving.
The event, held at Oglebay Park's Crispin Golf Course, saw dozens of golfers sign up to play under sunny skies. The tournament is held annually in memory of Heather Miller, 21, who died in 2008 from injuries she sustained in a car crash. Her organs were donated to others in need of transplants.
Miller, 21, was set to graduate from nursing school. She already had a job prospect lined up. Her parents, Jody and Gary Miller, learned after her death that she had been accepted for the position.
The tournament helps raise money to allow for the awarding of scholarships to local students who want to be caregivers and save lives, much like Jody Miller's daughter did.
"We've given over 273 nursing scholarships out now, renewals for the first time," she said. "That means the most to us because Heather was going to nurse, and these young students are following in her footsteps. Even in Heather's death she is still saving lives. So her legacy continues. Especially when you lose a child, in my opinion, you don't want anyone to ever forget, and she's made sure we don't forget her."
Miller said her daughter was also a registered organ donor, and the family continues to raise awareness and encourage people to register to become donors as well.
"We're trying to inspire people and really educate them and dispel a lot of the myths that come with donation," she said.
Miller thanked the event's sponsors and all the golfers who come out every year to play. She noted Heather would love the tournament and being in the spotlight.
"She was the news person. She was the media person. She would love that her picture is on billboards - that's her personality. Me, not so much," Miller said. "Our supporters keep us moving forward. Her legacy has grown and grown."