Western Region:

Cindy Cole

When Cindy learned that she had been selected as Volunteer of the Year for the Western Region she said she was so honored. "It made me realize my contributions as a Friends for Life Ambassador were appreciated more than I knew. I am proud to share the title of Volunteer of the Year with others that I admire and respect. Our common goal of educating and promoting organ donation is rewarding in itself to know you are making a difference when someone decides to share the gift of life. It is gratifying to be a part of CDS and it was a pleasure to accept my Volunteer of the Year award," Cindy said.

Central Region:

Norman "Skid" Rowe

Norman "Skid" Rowe received a heart transplant in 2005 and began volunteering with CDS mere months later in early 2006. Skid is a character, always quick with a joke and a smile. He brings fun and youthful enthusiasm to each event he participates in. Skid tells his personal story with such a palpable zest for life that those fortunate enough to hear him always walk away profoundly inspired to live each day to the fullest. He has also been the face of several of our marketing campaigns over the years. He has brought his infectious positivity by emceing several events and concerts we have held. At this year's Annual Appreciation Dinner, Skid entertained the crowd with a rousing musical number, "There Will Be a Change In Me".  The lyrics of the song aptly describe his attitude post-transplant: "From now on there'll be a change in me. My walk will be different, my talk and my name. Nothing about me is going to be the same. I'm going to change my way of living if that ain't enough, then I'll change the way that I strut my stuff."

Eastern Region:

Travis Hardee

Travis' "Gift Of Life" came as a Heart Transplant just in the nick of time. Travis says, "Transplants are the greatest Miracle on Earth as they utilize God and Fellow Mankind regardless of race or origin. The first Prayer afterward was to lead me down a path of respecting my Donor and Family by volunteering and giving back. I have been humbled, enjoy life and am blessed daily and each time I volunteer. I have met so many people who really share my feelings, support me, pray for me and are True "Friends For Life". Being a Volunteer Of The Year is a great honor, however myself and all volunteers are about what they accomplish and not recognition. The award I am proud of as a guide that makes me feel that I am doing well in respecting Donors and helping others to receive their "Gift Of Life" so they may have quality living and happiness."

Emmitt and Charlotte Ray

Emmitt and Charlotte Ray lost their son, Jason, in 2007 when he was traveling with the UNC Tarheels for the NCAA Tournament in New Jersey. Jason was Ramses, the mascot. The Rays have become champions for donation traveling around the country sharing Jason's story and precious gift of life he gave. 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-His story has made an impact not just in NC but on a national level. Jason's story received worldwide attention when the Rays were invited on The Oprah Winfrey show. "Ray of Hope", a piece produced by ESPN has been utilized by organ procurement organitions across the country, in their efforts to educate various audiences. They have been asked to speak at countless events and conferences across the country. Here in North Carolina, they have spoken at press conferences, they agreed to allow CDS to come into their home and interview them for our educational DVD "Say, Yes". Recently, they were the keynote speakers at the North Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association annual meeting.

David Fleming, President and CEO of Donate Life America had this to say about Emmitt and Charoltte:

"It is rare in a lifetime that we are given an opportunity to take an action or make a decision that literally saves someone's life. It is even rarer to make a decision that ultimately saves thousands of lives. Charlotte and Emmitt Ray's decision to honor Jason's wish to be a donor has done just that. Just as they have been blessed by their decision, thousands more have been blessed with the gift of life. And for that gift, from the entire national donation community, we can't say thank you enough to Charlotte, Emmitt and Jason Ray."