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The North Carolina Eye Bank takes great pride in our ability
to share the gift of sight with thousands of people every
year through corneal transplant, research and education. This
gift does not come without a price. We must remember that
for each grateful recipient of a transplanted cornea or medical
breakthrough achieved, there is a family who is struggling
with the loss of a loved one. These are the stories and remembrances
of their family members - and the faces of donation.
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The 2002 Faces of Donation
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Frank Adams
Trying to sum up a person's life in a few short paragraphs
is a daunting task. If I could ask him how he would like
to be remembered, he would answer "character."
He was a man of high standards and expectations. He would
accept nothing less of himself, or of those around him.
He instilled in his children a very high sense of morality
and responsibility. Growing up, we didn't see eye to eye
on very many things. Today, being an adult and a parent,
I respect and love him more than I ever believed possible.
He was a strong supporter of helping those less fortunate.
He gave what he could to causes he believed in. The donor
program was one of those.
Ever since I could remember, he made sure his children
knew what his and mom's wishes were, should they be called
home. His death was unexpected, and donating his organs
wasn't even a question. Knowing that he was able to help
another would have made him proud.
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Thomas Michael Adams
Thomas Michael Adams was born in Anchorage, Alaska on
February 14, 1948. He served his country in the armed
forces. He attended the University of Houston, where
he received a degree in Restaurant Management. He had
a love for traveling and traveled extensively, working
in a lot of different places, doing a lot of jobs. He
last worked at Lundy's in Clinton, N.C.
Tom loved people, children, his dearest friend Patricia,
and his dog, Harley. He was a gentle man, loved by many.
His favorite past time was working on computers and
antiquing. He will be missed and remembered by many.
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Ronald Craig Alexander
Ron was a graduate of Clemson University and received
his master's degree from East Carolina University. He
retired from the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department
after serving nearly twenty years as the Director of
the Department. Ron concentrated his efforts on upgrading
and expanding park facilities and programs, including
the renovation of the City Lake, the development of
Battle Park, Hornbeam Park and Grover Lucas Park.
He was instrumental in the construction of the playhouse
and the expansion of the Children's Museum, programming
offered at South Rocky Mount Community Center, Booker
T. Washington Community Center, the Downeast Festival,
and restoration of the miniature train. He also initiated
projects that will be carried to completion over time,
including the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Phase
Two of the Tar River Greenway and renovation of the
Children's Museum, the development of a park honoring
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as many other projects.
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Allen Allocco
Allen was an auto mechanic. He served two years in
the Army and eighteen years in the Air Force National
Guard. Allen dearly loved his God, his country, and
his family. He loved people, and wasn't afraid to serve
others.
Allen had a good life. He loved everyone and everyone
loved him. Even people who knew him for only a short
time sensed his warmth, kindness, and gentleness.
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John Calvin "Buddy"
Alston
My little "big" brother, Buddy. Father of
Joey and Brandi. Granddaddy to Cheyenne. Always with
his toolbox in hand, to lend a helping hand to family,
and to friend. Once a friend, always a friend. Lived
life too hard and too fast for such a short time. May
your spirit rest in eternal peace knowing that you were
loved, and will be missed by all.
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Miles Anderson
Miles was an enthusiastic,
energetic believer in nature and humanity. He loved
tending the plants and flowers in his yard. He would
watch in wonder as the sun rose through the oaks in
the east side of our house, only to be equally amazed
as the sun set behind the hemlocks and cedars in the
west.
He was pursuing his doctorate in Analytical Chemistry
at North Carolina when he left this world - and the
science - that he loved so much. Because he believed
the earth was precious he was a devoted environmentalist,
and ardently committed to recycling.
Miles was capable and lovable, so he brought out the
best in everyone. He loved his friends, his family,
and his bulldog, Druscilla. His delight and joy at knowing
his eyes were "recycled" to provide sight
for two other people to see this wonderful world would
be immeasurable. May those who received sight from Miles'
donation love and enjoy this life and world as much
as he did.
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Steven Anderson
Steven was born on February 20, 1976. He was fatally injured
in a car accident on January 20, 2002. He has two sisters,
three nephews and one niece.
We all miss him very much. Steven was out going. He had
a lot of friends, and enjoyed spending time with them.
He loved going to the beach, and going fishing in the
summer time. One thing he really enjoyed doing was buying
a car or truck and taking it apart, making it new again.
He enjoyed spending time playing games and basketball
with his nephews and niece.
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Don F. Andrews
Don F. Andrews was known by all as a man with an abundance
of foresight.
He was gifted with the ability to envision the end of
a project before it even started. And because of that,
he was a very successfulman. So it was most appropriate
that the last contribution he left behind was that of
sight.
Drafted into the Army during the Vietnam conflict, he
was a highly decorated
Captain in the US Army Special Forces, Green Beret,
and served ten years. He earned two Silver Stars, four
Bronze Stars with valor, three Purple Hearts, two Air
Medals with valor, and was recommended for the
Distinguished Service Cross.
Upon leaving the service, Don started his own business
by opening a grocery story in downtown Faison, NC. Eventually
his business grew to thirty two stores in two states,
employing approxi-mately 1,800 people. He later sold
his chain to a Fortune 500 Company. A few of his life
time achievements are as follows: Lee County Small Business
Person of the Year in 1988. Former member of the NC
State University Agricultural Advisory Board. Past President
of the NC Food Dealers Association. Grocer of the Year
in 1990. Director of the Broadway Lions Club. Commander
of the Broadway American Legion. A member of the Broadway
Area Business Alliance. Executive board member of the
NC Veterans Memorial Pavilion. A Member of the Broadway
Presbyterian Church.
His latest endeavors included several developments in
the Broadway area and a vigorously run campaign for
Lee County Commissioner. His greatest accomplishment,
however, was his family. He leaves behind his wife,
mother-in-law, son and his wife, and daughter. Don was
a doting grandfather of three, Cherish, Christopher,
and Dylan.
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Jerry Wade Andrews
Loving husband and father
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Thomas Edward (Trey) Arnold,
III
Trey was an honorable young man who made his family
proud. He never gave up his dream of playing college
basketball and even through some setbacks and roadblocks,
he kept his determination and would not give up.
Trey was respectful and loyal to his family and friends,
and had a strong faith in God. He attended high school
in Germany and attended Atlanta Metropolitan College,
Georgia Military College and Fayetteville State University.
Trey worked as a substitute teacher in Georgia for Clayton
County. He also worked as a waiter for Olive Garden
Restaurant.
Trey had many friends all over the world. He was 22
years old when he died of a brain aneurysm while at
Fayetteville State University. He is sorely missed by
his parents, sister, two nephews and a niece. Trey was
an organ donor and felt that if someone else could beneift
from his passing, then he wanted to give them that opportunity.
He loved animials, and little children seemed to gravitate
toward him. He was kind, understanding and devoted.
He would still come and lay across the bed with his
parents and watched cartoons or comedies on TV, and
always hugged his parents whenever he came/went, no
matter who was around, no matter how early or late in
the day.
Trey was a good son, brother, uncle and friend. We miss
him.
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John Atkinson
John was a wonderful man. He was a devoted family
man, and a great father. Family time was very important
to him. John was a good, loyal friend, and was always
ready to lend a hand.
John was retired Air Force. He never lost his fondness
for airplanes. He liked his computer game, Flight Simulator.
He also had a radio-controlled airplane and flew it a
few times. He spent more time building it than flying
it
John also loved the beach. He felt that being near the
ocean was very relaxing. We would go to the beach often.
The greatest thing about John was his smile. He always
had a smile for everyone. When John smiled, he smiled
not only with his mouth, but also with his eyes.
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| Tom Steven Atwood
We are all given gifts at birth. Some have a talent
for music., others mathe-
matics, others perhaps athletics. Tommy's gift was laughter.
He had an ability to bring a smile in almost any situation
and would go to great lengths to do so. As an exasperated
mother of an errant first grader with yet another note
from the teacher, I railed at him "Tommy, did you
even THINK about getting into trouble?" His answer,
simple and honest, was "but Mama, I made them laugh!"
He had a knack for turning everyday situations into
Keystone Kop adventures, whether it was to superglue
his shoes to his skateboard to avoid falling off, or
a misguided tree rappelling operation with not quite
enough rope. The list of his escapades is long and joyful,
although I must admit it sometimes took a little time
for me to see the humor!
Tommy also had an enviable gift for living in the moment
that few ever
master. He perceived the world around him with wonder
and laughter, and a big heart full of love. He thought
nothing, even at 17 years, of interrupting his computer
game to blurt out that he loved me, hug his dad, kiss
his sister. He saw the world as a playground, full of
laughs, friends, and endless opportunity. His life brought
light and noise and happiness into our lives and we're
better people for it. We should all be so blessed to
be able to see the world through Tommy's eyes.
This is my favorite photo of Tommy, taken two days
before his accident, on prom night with his sister,
Rae. You can see his mischievousness, his sweetness,
and his love for her. It's all there - big hands and
feet, sweet smile and soft heart....happy soul.
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Michael Banks
Michael was a sincere person who never complained about
anything. He loved life - his family - and basketball.
If there was anything he could do to help others, he would
do it...and so, he gave his eyes.
Michael was sixteen years old.
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Bruce Alan Barfoot
I would love for you to have known my brother.
He was a wonderful father, and a good friend who was so
loyal and loving. Growing up, we played and fought, talked
and laughed. But beyond the fun and games, beyond the
battles we waged, we found in each other unending support.
I smile knowing that the rest of my days will be blessed
with all the special memories that we shared as brother
and sister. I love you Bruce, more than ever.
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Peter Bartnicki
When asked to donate my husband's eyes to someone, it
only took minutes to decide. Peter would want to afford
someone the miracle of sight.
One of the things he loved to do was sit in front of the
ocean, staring out at its beauty from early morning `til
the sun set. Until the day he died, he never tired of
the ocean's beauty, and the warmth of the sun. Peter also
had been given the gift of a high intellect. Without his
eyes, he would not have been able to satisfy his insatiable
thirst for knowledge. He was a voracious reader, with
a photographic memory. As Peter got sicker, the one thing
he could continue to do was read. He could soothe his
tired, failing body, and quell his fears by transcending
to "other places." What a miracle - God's gift
of sight.
It is an honor for me to keep part of my husband alive
by giving someone else this gift - this miracle. Through
Peter's eyes, someone will see the world and all it has
to offer. What a privilege for me to be part of this miracle
on behalf of my beloved husband.
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Jerry Dale Bass
Our beloved son passed away on May 4, 2002. Jerry was
a state employee and loved all sports. In 1991, he was
in an auto accident and lost the life he was accustomed
to. Even though he was left with disabilities, he continued
to love life and kept his faith.
Jerry often expressed his desire to donate his eyes.
Our family carried out his wishes. He would be very
pleased to know he had a part in giving sight to someone.
May the one (or ones) who received sight be richly blessed,
and remember our son in their prayers.
Jerry's Mom and Dad.
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Thomas Steven "Steve"
Beaman
Steve grew up on a farm in Snow Hill, North Carolina.
His mother, a sister and brother-in-law in Snow Hill,
and a sister and niece in Merritt Island, FL, survive
him.
After graduation from high school, Steve went to work
for major construction companies as an insulation crew
supervisor and lived all over the US for 20 years. Recently,
he had returned home and was self-employed with a services
and repair company.
Steve made many lasting friendships all over the country.
When word of his illness spread, there were phone calls
every night from several states inquiring about his progress.
Steve had a kind and gentle nature, and was soft spoken.
He had a beloved golden retriever named Max who loved
to ride in the back of his red truck. Steve enjoyed hunting
and fishing and accomplishing quality work.
Although he didn't have many material things, Steve was
wealthy in many other ways. Steve was a most generous
person. If he had only one of something, and knew he could
never get another, but someone needed it, he gave it cheerfully.
Doing for others was his greatest pleasure. True to his
nature, he was an organ donor.
His family is heartbroken by the loss of Steve, but so
blessed by his life, and cherishing his memory. Proud
of the gift of his corneas, his family wishes the recipients
well, always. |
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Barbara C. Beddard
Barbara Beddard was a wonderful lady who touched the
lives of many people during her 63 years. She was a
dedicated wife of 46 years, the mother of three girls
and she had seven grandchildren. She spent a lot of
time with her family at their summer home at Pamlico
Beach. She and her husband had both retireed, and they
enjoyed traveling throughout the year. Church had always
been a priority for her, and she especially enjoyed
singing in the church choir.
In her earlier years, Barbara was a girl scout leader.
She worked for many years with Martin County Schools,
where she cared very much for each child she came in
contact with. During the last few years of her career,
she worked closely with a special needs child.
Barbara was a well-respected member of her community.
She was always giving to, and for others. She would
be very pleased to know that she gave the gift of sight
to two people.
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David Bell
Best husband, father, and Pap I could ever ask
for...
Remembering our 32 years together,
and how much our love meant to
each other. Our song, the theme from Romeo & Juliet.
Our "rosebud" Gretchen, and son Brae, and grand
babies, Emily and Ashley
Oh how desperately
I miss holding you and loving you!
We
want you to know you will be in our hearts and souls forever
and ever.
Now I have my previous
memories - your wonderful cooking, our old love letters,
pictures, and videos.
Every day I
think of you, and every night I know you are close to
the moon. Whenever Emily sees the moon, she knows her
Pap is there.
You are in my dreams,
and you saw Ashley, she being only three months old when
you died
Eyes you gave, so two people
can now see, you would be so proud!
Suddenly
you died, and my life is changed forever, just like that!
No chance for us to say goodbye, no chance to talk about
regrets, but I'm comforted knowing our last words on the
phone were "I love you" and that I am so, so
sorry we won't grow old together by the sea.
I wonder where I would be - without Dad's eyes that would
see - my mom years ago at the "Dell" - a teenage
hangout they knew so well. Fell in love, though Navy calls
- married December 13th, no time to pause - back to duty,
then before you know Dad watched me take my first step
- first day to school, ride a bike, yet - I wonder how
those eyes saw me - a teenager, an older me Then came
moving miles away - I will never forget that day - when
Dad was so close to me - and that's where he'll always
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Mary Bell
My Mom was the greatest person I've ever known. She was
loved by everyone she ever met. It made her happy to make
the people around her happy. She truly enjoyed helping
others.
She recently told her family and friends that she was
the happiest she had ever been. She was my best friend,
and the person I most admire.
For the fifty four years she was alive, she made this
world a better, brighter place. She would be honored to
have given someone the gift of sight.
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Michael Benton My
name is Michael. I was forty two years old, and married
to Debbie since November, 1995. In February, 2002, I
found out I had lung cancer. I did not have long after
that until the Lord took me home.
I hope that if you have my eyes, in some way you can
see life as I did. I loved life, and enjoyed it. I was
a Christian, and loved the Lord. I am glad you are able
to see because of what God gave me. May God bless you.
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Omar Bermudez
Omar and I shared the path of life for twenty four years.
We met in college and were together ever since. He adored
his family, and was a wonderful father to our daughters,
Soledad and Micaela.
He was generous and caring. We could enjoy life and
had the chance of traveling a lot together. He loved
nature, lakes and mountains. When we left Argentina,
our homeland, to come to North Carolina, what he liked
most was the peace and quiet of the landscape. He took
great pleasure in contemplating the colors of nature.
The Lord decided that our paths should become apart
and called Omar to His side on November 14, 2002. I
have not stopped missing him for a single minute. However,
knowing that, through his eyes, somebody else is going
to be able to contemplate and be moved by the colors
of nature now, I feel that his departure had one more
meaning in the Lord's plan
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