EPISODE 16 – Project 44: Ten Years of Impact, Andrew’s Legacy, and a Full-Circle Return to Indianapolis
Larra reunites with Sam and Krissi to reflect on their connection through Andrew and the growth of Project 44, founded after Andrew’s 2016 passing to save lives through bone marrow transplants.
Sam shares how grief shaped her life, including years in Indianapolis, moving to Texas, having two sons, and owning a CrossFit gym, while continuing to honor Andrew, including naming a son with Andrew as a middle name.
They discuss feeling close to Andrew at Hinkle Fieldhouse, through stories from others, and whenever Project 44 receives a donor match notification. Sam and Krissi describe Butler’s lasting support, Project 44’s national media exposure, and a “10 Years of Impact Drive to Save” campaign tied to multiple basketball tournaments in Indianapolis, aiming for a major collegiate registry event via in-person activations, merch, workplace drives, and a mail-in swab option.
Since this podcast recording, Project 44 was able to celebrate an exciting March and April with memorial street signage on Butler’s campus, an official proclamation from the Mayor of Indianapolis, stating that April 4 (4/4) will be known as Project 44 Day, a partnership with A Touch of Glory play, and various activations across Hinkle and Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the Joint Championship Weekend of Collegiate Men’s Basketball.
