Sendoff at Sweetwater for 'Amazing' Woody Morgan

Woody Morgan — the lifelong Ansley Park resident  last month — heads off to New Orleans next week for medical school.

But it doesn’t look like Woody will slip quietly out of town.

Woody and his mom Nell are about to embark for Tulane University School of Medicine. Nell is moving to assist and care for her wheelchair-confined son as he embarks on a demanding new chapter of his life — medical school. 

Family friends have planned a sendoff for the Morgans.

A send-off party and fundraiser for Woody and Nell Morgan will be held Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday at Sweetwater Brewing Company.

Long-time friends hope to raise $30,000 to purchase a new wheelchair-accessible van for the Morgans. The family's current van is in constant need of repairs. 

Organizers have tried to spread the word about Friday’s event, but Woody’s circle extends far and wide. So if you’ve ever known Woody or played soccer with him — as hundreds have — or just want to wish him farewell, you are invited to come.

You must be 21. A $20 donation is requested at the door. Half of the money will go to help purchase a new van.

His Amazing Story

Woody, now 23, graduated with honors from Grady High School in 2006 and University of Georgia in 2011. The former high school varsity soccer star was paralyzed from the breastbone down after a 2008 accident on the beaches of Destin, Fla.

Countless people know the example Woody sets for others. The young man has not let a major setback such as paralysis crush his dreams of becoming a doctor.

Martha Rusche of Virginia-Highland is just one of many friends who has organized the Friday night bash. Her daughter Kathryn Rusche --along with Koleen Sullivan and Woody’s close pal PJ McGlynn -- have led the effort to round up Woody’s friends and former classmates. (Woody and PJ have been buddies since their days at Morningside Elementary School).

The circle of friends want to support “Woody’s dream of becoming a doctor and helping others,” said Martha Rusche. Woody’s “grace, resilience, humor and acceptance have helped him persevere."

She added: “Nell’s love and strength in helping Woody get to this place make her equally amazing.”

Nell Morgan said the outpouring of support from friends has been unbelieveable.

"For me, it is humbling and heartwarming and overwhelming at times," she said.

"I could not do this without this wonderful circle of friends. Their love, compassion, support, encouragement, and friendship surrounds me every day and every step of the way.”

If you go: Sendoff party and fundraiser for Woody Morgan, 9pm-midnight, Friday, July ,8 at Sweetwater Brewing Company, 195 Ottley Drive NE, 30324; 404-691-2537. $20 donation per person at the door, ages 21 and older only.

If you wish to help: Donations can be sent to “Friends of Woody,” 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 102 — Box 280, Atlanta, GA, 30308. Checks should be made payable to Nell Morgan.