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History of Sweet Caroline
In loving memory of our sister, Caroline Terry.
August 22, 2005
Caroline Boles Terry, an active Delta Zeta (Fall 2003), was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, a disease that affects the bone marrow's ability to produce mature white blood cells near the end of 2004.
The sisters of Delta Zeta quickly organized and with the help of the American Red Cross, hosted two bone marrow drives in the Spring of 2005. Over 800 people were added to the National Bone Marrow Registry as a result of these drives. A benefit was also held at a local restaurant to raise money for Caroline's family. The Greek Community provided commendable assistance during this difficult time. Delta Zeta spent a lot of time raising money for the bone marrow drives because of the cost associated with testing. Delta Zeta was specifically concerned with the caucasian: minority ratio. Unfortunately, if there was not a minority tested for each caucasian tested, Delta Zeta incurred a $25 fee. Delta Zeta was fortunate to raise enough money from other Greek organizations, alumnae, and collegiate chapters to cover the costs of all of the testing! The efforts of the Beta Delta Chapter of the Delta Zeta Sorority did not go unrecognized by the community! Local TV and radio stations conducted live broadcasts from the drives to encourage the
Columbia
community to come out and donate.
Delta Zeta also won the Spirit of Carolina award during Homecoming Week at the
University
of
South Carolina
for our dedication to this project, along with awards from USC's Office of Greek Life.
Unfortunately, Caroline Terry passed away on August 22, 2005. However, her memory lives on as Delta Zeta hosted another bone marrow drive and blood drive in the Spring of 2006. Two hundred (200) additional donors were added to the registry, while 80+ pints of blood were collected. The Columbia Alumnae Chapter also provided assistance during all of the bone marrow drives.
Delta Zeta plans to increase awareness of the Bone Marrow Registry by conducting annual bone marrow drives in honor of Caroline Terry. She will always be remembered as a beloved sister and a dear friend.
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