In Criss II Room 452, rows and rows of students eagerly awaited the competition as a large screen flashed the word “Jeopardy!” and two hosts with medical jackets and faux mustaches stood waiting in front of the audience preparing to kick off the event.
The first annual Anatomy Jeopardy, held on Tuesday, was more than just an opportunity for first-year medical students to get in an unorthodox study session. The money collected and raised at the event is going to benefit Jon Traver, an 18-year-old struggling to find a kidney transplant.
While Traver’s mother, program coordinator in the biomedical sciences department, was a willing and matching donor, complications arose and Traver is now waiting for another match. Instead of focusing on future collegiate plans, Traver and his family are more focused on the present.
“We’re just trying to get through this process and then focus on the future,” Traver’s father said.
Traver said he wants to pursue a career of graphic design and hopes to do so after the transplant surgery. He remains optimistic and is excited about the future.
It cost $10 for four-person groups to participate. The money from Anatomy Jeopardy went to the National Transplant Assistance Fund, from which Jon will receive money for dialysis, co-payments for doctor visits and eventually the transplant surgery.
Briana Scott, a second-year graduate student and organizer of the event, said the event was the idea of Dathe Benissan-Messan, another student.
She spent a lot of time with Melanie Norton and Katy Traver, Jon’s mother, to organize the event for the medical and graduate students.
“Primarily there is a donation to a really great cause, but there is also crucial test prep for Anatomy students. It really is a win-win for everyone,” Scott said.
Katy Traver helped out a lot to put on the event. Her passion as coordinator and support of her son really brought the Jeopardy! together.
“I think it is a good thing because it is something different to review material and to help out on this cause,” Traver’s mother said.
In addition, a silent auction to benefit Traver was also unveiled. Included in the auction are concert tickets to see BB King and Buddy Guy and a Fender electric guitar autographed by Safety Suit, among other prizes.
All the money will help to alleviate some of the medical expenses for the Traver family.
Traver’s mother is excited to plan the next benefit for her son. She hopes to hold a concert at Creighton in the spring.
Although unsure about the specifics, she hopes the energy that she possesses will surely equate to a great event for anyone in the Creighton community.
The Traver family appreciates the help from the Creighton community.
“A lot of late nights were spent organizing the Anatomy Jeopardy!” Scott said.