Free Screenings at SXU Highlight Power of Prevention and Donation

Students and faculty at Saint Xavier University turned compassion into action as they worked to raise awareness about organ donation and preventative health through a Free Kidney and Diabetes Screening that brought education and lifesaving conversations to campus.

The screening took place Monday, Nov. 10, at 3700 W. 103rd St., in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI), the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, and Saint Xavier University’s Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.

The event offered free diabetes and kidney health checks to students, staff, and community members, while representatives from the Secretary of State’s office provided information on organ and tissue donation and helped attendees register as donors.

Regina White, senior KidneyMobile manager for the NKFI, said events like these play a vital role in community health. “This is all about bringing awareness to the community,” White said. She explained that high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes are the leading causes of kidney disease. “Kidney disease does not have any symptoms until almost time for dialysis,” she added. “This is all about preventative measures.”

Last April, the university hosted a similar screening, where 36 out of 89 participants discovered previously undiagnosed health conditions. This year, more than 70 people attended the event, continuing the program’s growing impact on campus and in the surrounding community.

Students for H.O.P.E., a student organization at SXU, serves as a chapter of the Maddog Strong Foundation — a nonprofit devoted to inspiring others to “donate the gift of life” and encouraging families to talk openly about organ and tissue donation. The group works to educate peers, promote donor registration, and introduce students to healthcare fields connected to transplantation and donation.

Students for H.O.P.E. President John McNamara said raising awareness is at the heart of the group’s mission. “It is so important to spread awareness about organ donation and its benefits,” he said. “Events like this help people understand how powerful one decision can be in saving lives.”

Cyndi Grobmeier, Ed.D., director of faculty development and the organization’s advisor, has a deeply personal connection to the cause. In 2019, her family experienced an unimaginable loss when her 18-year-old daughter, Maddie, died suddenly from an asthma attack. Maddie’s decision to become an organ and tissue donor went on to save three lives.

The Grobmeier family founded The Maddog Strong Foundation in her honor. The nonprofit works to educate people about the importance of discussing organ donation with loved ones and encourages everyone to register as donors. Grobmeier said the foundation’s mission continues to guide her life and teaching.

Paige Bajenski, president of Saint Xavier’s Sigma Theta Tau chapter, said the screening also provides a valuable learning opportunity to nursing students. “This event gives our nursing students hands-on experience through their community clinical,” Bajenski said.

The event reflected Saint Xavier University’s commitment to service, health education, and community engagement. Through partnerships, compassion, and student leadership, Students for H.O.P.E. continues to spread awareness, spark conversations, and carry forward the mission of giving — and living — stronger together.

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