Compassion | Abby Donelson | TEDxYouth@RVA

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Listen to Abby recount her story that led her to the conviction that being compassionate to others is the only way to live life.

Abby Donelson is a 17-year-old junior at Freeman High School who lost her father when she was 8 years old. For several years, she attended Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement camp for children who have lost a parent or sibling. Inspired by her experience, Abby became a junior counselor at the age of 15 and continues to volunteer to this day.

On March, 16, 2014, Abby suffered another loss – her best friend, Cameron Gallagher. The two girls had just crossed the finish line and hugged at the Shamrock Half Marathon, when Cameron tragically collapsed and died. Cameron, who had struggled with teenage depression, had a dream of eliminating the stigma of that disease and hoped to organize a 5K race to raise awareness. After Cameron’s death, Abby was instrumental in helping that dream become a reality and, with Cameron’s family, launched the Speak Up 5K, which was run on September 6, 2014. The race had 3,000 participants and raised over $150,000 for the Virginia Treatment Center for Children, which is the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Program at VCU Medical Center.

Abby loves running and is a member of the cross country team at her school. She is planning on attending college to study nursing and work in pediatric oncology.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)