If you are opposed to organ donation, or are indifferent to the concept of having your organs and tissue surgically removed upon your death then transplanted into someone who needs them, talk to Charlotte Ray.
I was blessed to meet this beautiful and brave mother on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is where her precious son, Jason, proudly served as the UNC mascot eight years ago when he was tragically killed by a car while he was walking on the side of a busy street.
Jason loved (loves) the Lord very much. So while Charlotte’s grief is still raw, she is comforted by the belief that she will see her dear child again in heaven.
In fact, it was Jason’s faith that was the foundation of a prophetic conversation he had with his mother when he made the decision to become an organ donor.
At the time, organ donation was something to which Charlotte and her husband Emmett were opposed. But watch this video and see how much of an impact Jason’s decision made:
Jason donated enough tissue and organs to improve or save the lives of more than 50 people, from burn victims to the visually impaired. ESPN produced a dramatic, moving, 15-minute tribute to Jason and his sacrifice called “Ray Of Hope.” In it, a number of the recipients of Jason’s organs tell their stories and even meet Charlotte and Emmett Ray.
For example, Ronald Griffin, who was dying of congestive heart failure received Jason’s heart. He says, “As long as I breathe and my heart beats, Jason, to a degree, is alive.”
Denis Korzelius was given a death sentence one month after his wedding, but was given the gift of life via Jason’s liver.
David Irving received one of Jason’s kidneys and his pancreas. Antwan Huntger, born with only one kidney that started failing when he was only 15, received Jason’s other kidney.
This list goes on and on. Now that video is shown in driver’s education classes in schools across the state of North Carolina.
Those who refuse to let Jason’s legacy die have created a foundation called the Jason Ray Foundation. The organization is dedicated to encouraging people to become organ donors and to give generously to provide services to people who are involved in the process of donating or receiving.
For the original article, visit cbn.com.
