NEWS | 2009 NEWS ARCHIVE

Durham Woman to be Honored in Rose Parade

     Delores Benton Evans of Durham, N.C., received son

Ryan's left kidney the day after he died. "It is amazing that in life, he could not donate a kidney to me, but after his death it was possible," she said. Delores kept a personal promise by becoming an avid volunteer to increase organ, tissue and bone donations and advocate for kidney patients on dialysis.

     Delores was recently selected as a winner of Astellas Ride of a Lifetime essay contest, after submitting an essay describing her unique story and how her life was transformed by transplantation. As a contest winner, Delores will be participating in the Rose Parade on January 1, 2010, riding aboard the Donate Life float

which honors those touched by transplantation, including

a floragraph of Ryan.

2009 Donate Life Walk

     In Winston-Salem, two hospitals are doing all they can to help raise awareness about the critical need for organ and tissue donation in the form of a community walk called the Donate Life Walk. On April 4, 2009, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Forsyth Medical Center, along with Carolina Donor Services, hosted the 4th Annual Donate Life Walk.

     Participants, including recipients, donor families, hospital staff, and community members walked two miles from Forsyth Medical Center to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The weather was perfect for the Donate Life Walk. The sun was bright and hot, but failed to outshine the passion and enthusiasm of all the dedicated participants.

ESPN's story "RAY of HOPE"

    Jason Ray, the Rameses Mascot for UNC Chapel Hill, was hit and killed by a car while the team was preparing to play in the NCAA Tournament in New Jersey. Jason had signed up to be a donor at the DMV and his family honored that wish. Jason has saved several lives with his gift of life. click to view the story