Turkey Valley honors a super hero

JACKSON JUNCTION - The family of Coralynn Sobolik, 22-month old whose family donated her organs to save three lives, was honored at last week’s softball game on June 20.

Between the JV and varsity games, fans and players for the Turkey Valley Trojans and Crestwood Cadets came together to recognize the gift Coralynn and her family gave. She passed away on April 22, 2019, but her family gave her heart to a one-year-old boy, her liver to a one-year-old girl and both of her kidneys to a 26-year-old woman.

Coralynn’s mother, Meagan (Novotny) Sobolik was a star pitcher for the Trojans and led them to three state tournaments. She graduated in 2008. Coralynn’s dad, Paul, was a 2006 Crestwood graduate. 

Announcer Dave Anderson said, “Meagan spent many hours on that pitching mound. Once a Trojan, always a Trojan,” to cheers from the crowd.

“Tonight the Turkey Valley and Cresco softball programs, and the entire communities of Turkey Valley and Cresco, would like to honor Coralynn and her family by bringing awareness to organ donation.

“On average, 20 people die every day from the lack of available organs for transplant. Please let Coralynn and her family be your example. Talk to your family about organ donation. Donation saves lives.”

Coralynn’s family then let some balloons fly. Paul was unable to attend, but other family members present were the couple’s other children, Maycee and Oliver and Meagan’s parents, Randy and Pamela Novotny.

Like a memory from the past, Meagan then threw out the first pitch in true Trojan form to begin the varsity game.