CPRMC Receives Statewide Recognition for Organ Donation Leadership
June 6, 2025
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) is proud to announce that several of its team members have been recognized with the prestigious Hope Hero Award from We Are Sharing Hope SC, South Carolina’s federally designated organ procurement organization.
Dr. Brian Sponseller, Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO at CPRMC; Ashlee Horton, Director of Critical Care Services; and the entire Operating Room Team were recognized for their extraordinary dedication to organ, eye, and tissue donation.
The Hope Hero Award honors individuals and teams who demonstrate exemplary commitment to the donation process, including compassionate advocacy for donor families, process excellence, and strong collaboration with the organ procurement organization. This award is a celebration of the impact that dedicated healthcare professionals have in giving others a second chance at life through organ and tissue donation.
In presenting the awards, Caitlin Thompkins, Donation Program Manager at Sharing Hope SC, spoke to the impact CPRMC has made in a relatively short period of time.
“What sets Carolina Pines apart is that their commitment toward organ donation and transplantation is not confined to any single moment,” said Thompkins. “This commitment is woven into the fabric of the hospital’s culture. Open, ongoing communication and high-level collaboration have remained consistent across every donation opportunity.”
Dr. Sponseller, Ashlee Horton, and CPRMC leadership were praised for setting a tone of excellence that resonates throughout the ICU and beyond. Thompkins described the staff’s mindset as one defined by a clear sense of purpose and teamwork - a “can do, will do” approach that is felt across the hospital.
The ICU team was noted for providing exemplary support during every donation opportunity, while the Operating Room Team was specifically recognized for identifying the need to upgrade equipment and taking swift action - an effort that may seem minor, but speaks volumes about the team’s dedication to continuous improvement and honoring the donation process.
“Few hospitals have demonstrated such an elevated level of dedication to donation and transplantation,” said Thompkins. “Their reputation continues to grow, and their excellence has not gone unnoticed as Sharing Hope staff actively seek out opportunities to work at this hospital.”
We Are Sharing Hope SC serves as South Carolina’s federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO), facilitating organ and tissue donation for transplantation and research. Their mission is to inspire communities, honor donor heroes and families, and ultimately change lives through the gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Sponseller. “This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of our incredible team, who show up every day committed to providing compassionate, life-saving care to patients and families in their greatest time of need.”
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center remains committed to partnering with Sharing Hope SC to increase awareness, improve processes, and support families through one of the most meaningful gifts of all - hope through donation.
About Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
As part of the ScionHealth network of hospitals, Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) provides high-quality healthcare services to the people of several counties in northeastern South Carolina. Patients have come to rely on our experienced, skilled staff and physicians to provide them with the highest level of care and compassion. Through the facilities on our campus, including a 116-bed acute care hospital and an adjoining medical office building, we provide comprehensive services with two things in mind: the care and comfort of our patients. Learn more about CPRMC at cprmc.com.
About We Are Sharing Hope SC
As South Carolina’s federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), We Are Sharing Hope SC facilitates life-saving organ and life-enhancing tissue donation across the state (excluding Aiken and Edgefield counties). Their mission is to inspire communities, support donor families, and honor every individual who says “yes” to donation.