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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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Gerard X. Guarente
Gerry and I met July 4th 1987, got engaged May `88,
and were married October `88. Married for fourteen years,
we have three beautiful children, a daughter, 13, and
two boys, 10 and 6.
Our wonderful life ended tragically November 19, 2002,
when he had a massive heart attack. I am glad that he
was a donor, and also that two people can now see, because
of his generosity.
We need to always remember that family is when all good
is passed down, and all bad is forgiven - because you're
family.
I will always love and miss you, honey, and I know the
kids will make us proud!
Love from your beloved wife
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| Sandra Guffey
Sandra was always a happy, outgoing person. She was
everyone's friend. In high school, she was chief of
the color guard rifle squad with the marching band.
She was also first runner up on the homecoming court
her senior year.
As a Christian, she was a good witness, working with
the preschool department at our church from age seventeen.
When she was admitted to N.C. Baptist Hospital at 18
1/2 with Multiple Sclerosis, she immediately was drawn
to a troubled young man, and began a friendship and
witness that totally changed his personality from one
of anger and fear to one of calm and understanding.
With her beautiful smile and caring heart, she continued
to touch people's lives while dealing with all the devastating
effects of Multiple Sclerosis for twenty years.
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Stephen Michael Gutierrez
Mike was born October 11, 1952, in Cumberland County.
He was always selfless, even as a child, and if ever there
was only one of any thing left, he wouldn't take it -
he would always let someone else have it.
He attended Fayetteville City Schools and graduated from
Reid Ross High School. He attended Louisburg College for
two years, and graduated from Appalachian State University
with a degree in Political Science.
It didn't take him long to figure out that working in
confined spaces wasn't for him. He loved the outdoors,
and seemed to thrive in that environment.
I always thought he would have made a wonderful veterinarian,
because of his love for all animals, but he never followed
that dream, and by his not doing that, I feel the world
missed out on a great "pet doctor."
He lived with me the last few years of his life, and I
feel like the Lord brought my child home to me before
He took him to be with Him.
I know in my heart that Mike is smiling down on us for
making the decision to donate his corneas to people that
needed them so badly. |
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Ruby Elaine Hall Haigler
Elaine was a wonderful woman, sent here to
change the world. When asked to record something for
the family, she wrote that life had been good to her,
and she felt she had been blessed.
She and I started dating when we were fourteen years
old, and got married when we were a little over nineteen,
in a very traditional church ceremony. Five months later
I was drafted into the Army.
Elaine's greatest fear was that I would have to go to
Viet Nam, but I was sent to Germany, instead.
Aside from the routine of wife, and then mother to a
daughter and son, Elaine taught school during her life
time. She was also a legal secretary, an executive at
the Family Crisis Center, church organist, choir director,
Girl Scout and 4-H leader, and pursued arts and crafts.
She especially appreciated the following, from Friendship
with God.
Through love and acceptance you bless all those whose
lives you touch. Love without condition. Lose expectations.
The 21st century will be a time of awakening - of meeting
the creator within. Truly embrace God, for the greatest
joy you have ever known. Release the joy. Know God.
Trust God, Love God. Embrace God. Use God. Help God.
Thank God. Live life deliberately, harmoniously, and
beneficially , using creative energy, gentle wisdom,
and pure love. Be happy and enjoy life!
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Bruce Hannah
My brother, Bruce Hannah, was a gentle giant.
A large man of six foot four inches, Bruce was a burly,
quiet man. He had to deal with manic depression most
of his life, but succeeded in following his love of
hot rods. He had a few, and got excited over all of
them.
He loved dogs and had many stories told, after he died,
of how kind hearted he was to his friends in his apartment
building.
We, his family of two sisters and three brothers, will
miss him.
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| Dorothy Hans
Dorothy was born September 12, 1951. She was raised
by loving parents in a Christian family.
She was the youngest of six children and often said
by the time her parents had raised the other five, they
were too worn out to spank her much!
Dorothy was a very caring and giving person. She was
always there to help anyone who needed help.
She was very active with the Rocky Mount Moose Lodge
#938. The year Dorothy passed away, she was elected
secretary of the lodge and was selected as the lodge's
Valentine Queen.
Dorothy loved being around people - the more the merrier.
Her death, though tragic, helped others in the end,
and that is the way she would have wanted to be remembered.
I miss her so much.
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Judy (Ju Ju)
Harpe
Ju Ju Harpe was aunt to my sister and me, as well
as to our children. Even though she never married or had
children of her own, she treated us as if we were hers.
She lived her whole life in a small town where she worked
for twenty two years as a Licensed Practical Nurse in
the hospital. She devoted most of her life to helping
others. You always knew where you stood with Ju Ju.
Ju Ju loved photography, and had over fifty albums filled
with photos of her coworkers, family and friends. As long
as she was able she loved to travel.
She became close to Jesus, and listened to sermons on
tape after she became homebound. I know she would be pleased
to know that even after she was gone, she was still able
to help others in some way.
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Billy Wayne Harris
This photo is of Billy and our last grand baby,
Gracie. She has chronic liver disease, and between Billy's
bad heart and her sick liver, they were kindred spirits.
He loved all seven of his grandchildren, but Gracie was
the apple of his eye, and she loved her Pa Pa.
One of my favorite memories of Billy, and what I miss
the most, is the way he used to hold the children and
me. He was a very compassionate and loving man, who loved
to show his affection to his family. He had big, strong
arms, and when they were wrapped around you, you felt
safe from the world.
He was the light of our lives and our world revolved around
him.
I miss you Billy - come see me in my dreams...... |
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Gerald "Bud" Hartle
precious husband
beloved father,
son,
brother,
friend.
A strong, generous, Christian man.
In our hearts until we are reunited in eternity.
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Calvin Helms
My husband was a very sweet, kind man, that very rarely
had an unkind word to say about anyone. Our little five
year old granddaughter thinks he is the world.
He was very talented and could do anything. He was an
expert craftsman (and he was left handed). He was truly
an Aries person.
Calvin would drop whatever he was doing to help someone
else. He loved dancing, horseback riding, and golfing.
He was always a lot of fun to be with.
People of all walks of life liked and respected him, as
he did them. He touched many lives, and was a dependable
friend. |
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Paige Walton Henley
Paige was a beautiful thirty-four-year-old nurse. She
worked at several local nursing homes as a Licensed Practical
Nurse. She was kind, loving, and caring to her elderly
residents, and they loved her.
She was a wonderful daughter, and a special sister to
her older brother, Jeff.
Paige had a beautiful smile, a sparkle in her eyes, and
made her mother and father proud.
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Jennifer Brandy Herren
Jennifer was a miracle from the very moment of her birth.
Her life was almost ended before it began. During her
delivery, the umbilical cord became wrapped around her
neck, stopping flow of blood to her brain. By the sheer
grace of God, she lived.
Few people knew about this incident, and how it affected
the rest of her life. Due to the lack of oxygen to her
brain, she developed a learning disability. The disability
centered on her ability to read and comprehend, which
required her to work twice as hard as her friends in school,
but rarely did she complain, or ask "why me?"
Realizing this was her lot in life, she gave each task
everything she had. Even the simple things, which most
of us take for granted, came hard for her. Sometimes frustrated,
but always undaunted, Jennifer would try again and again,
until she succeeded.
Jennifer grew up near Sanford, NC and graduated from Western
Harnett High School in May 2001. Her graduation was the
proudest moment of her life. She had done the seemingly
impossible - she had graduated with her friends. She set
her sights on college and was attending the Central Carolina
Community College when her life was cut short.
She had limitless amounts of energy and was always there
when/if anyone needed her. A loving smile and beautiful
blue eyes that set you at ease the moment you met her.
Jennifer truly believe that Jesus Christ was her personal
savior, which made her extremely enthusiastic about life.
She lived her life with the full knowledge that she was
saved, and would not die, but instead would have everlasting
life in Heaven. A good Christian, she loved and was loved
by anyone that met her.
Although Jennifer's life was short and often difficult,
she kept her faith. A wonderful daughter, and friend,
she set a magnificent example for us all - have faith
and never give up.
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Michael Hines
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Whitney Hinnant
Whitney was 8 years old and was in the 2nd grade at G.
W. Carver Elementary School. She was always happy, and
an outspoken little girl.
She enjoyed playing football and riding her bike, and
loved to participate in church activities. Whitney read
her Bible.
Whitney was the third child out of five children, and
the spokesperson. If the children wanted to persuade myself
or their father to give them something, she was the one
speaking out and pleading their case.
Whitney also loved the snow. I remember when it snowed
in January of this year, she played in the snow longer
than the other children. She didn't want to come inside
to warm up. The cold didn't seem to bother her.
I wonder - was it because this would be her last time
playing in the snow?
I wish you could have known her. She was a very special
child.
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Glenn Robeson Holt, O.D.
This book is dedicated to a man who knew what was important
in life. Glenn was a loving father, faithful husband,
giving friend, and caring doctor. He was a dedicated community
servant, active in his church, an Assistant Scoutmaster,
and served three terms on the Forsyth County Board of
Health.
It was his father's footsteps that brought Glenn to the
service of the Eye Bank. But it was his own philosophy
towards organ donation that drove his dedication to this
cause. To him it was simple. Organ donation was just the
right thing to do. That was the message he tried to instill
in those he met in his daily life, as well as his work
with the Eye Bank.
Although we will miss his generous spirit and joyful smile,
Glenn will live forever in the hearts of those who knew
and loved him.
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Jerri Sabrina Hopper
A true gift from God! As a child, her Mom gave
her the nickname of "Precious," and it remained
with her.
Sabrina and I met in 1995, became friends, and fell in
love. As the story would go, we had a lot in common -
the love of people, family, friends, food, dancing, and
the beach.
Our wedding day, October 1998 - a happy time for all.
My Mom and Dad finally had the daughter they had always
wanted.
I have a lot of memories of fun, happy times, and how
she made my life so full and whole. How do I put on paper
the beauty of Sabrina? She was beautiful, inside and out.
Fun-loving, witty, honest and trustworthy.
She was a very meticulous person - never a hair out of
place. Kept a home that was spotless. Drove a clean, shiny
car. And, yes, kept me "in tow."
In sharing, she loved the movie and sound track "Grease,"
and our Dachshund "Sherman." She was an early
to bed early to rise person, always on time.
"I've got to keep on my routine," she would
say with a big smile. |
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Pamela House
Whimsical - sparkly - generous - and loving best describe
Pamela House. Her goal was to be the kind of person her
dog "Baby Girl" thought she was. Pam was beautiful
and adorable and a ray of hope when things seemed dismal.
Her generous heart prevented her from ever saying "no"
to a friend. She was my girlfriend, my "Pumpkin"
and our shining star.
Pamela was many things to so many who miss her - loving
daughter, fiery sister, warm and caring aunt, granddaughter,
niece and friend. All of those who knew her were honored
to have been a part of her short life.
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Thomas Huddleston
Not only was Tom Huddleston much loved by others, his
heart was full of love, too. He loved God above all else,
his family, and all people, as God would have us to do.
His passion as for children, and he found pleasure in
passing out candy after service each Sunday to the children
of our church families. Because of this simple act of
generosity and love, the children named him the "Candy
Man." They loved him so much. So - why were children
his passion?
Tom grew up in an orphanage during the 40's with five
of his brothers and sisters. Candy was not plentiful or
readily available to the orphans, like it is for most
children today. I know that is why his heart went out
to children. Tom listened to children, encouraged them,
and always told them that he loved them. Most of all,
he laughed with them, and shared a unique joy.
He was a very funny man with a wonderful sense of humor.
Many times you could still see the little child in him,
as life continued to fascinate him with all its wonder
and blessings. He never met a stranger, and would have
anyone laughing so hard, tears would easily fall from
the corners of their eyes.
His eyes were his most beautiful gift, and a definite
window into his beautiful soul. They were light blue which
augmented his hair of beautiful silver.
We loved to go to the beach where we fished, and watched
the tide roll in. He enjoyed old cars and yearned to own
one and "fix it up."
Tom would be overjoyed to know that two people received
the miraculous gift of sight from his last and most cherished
donation. Two people will be able to see the beauty of
this world, to see Christmas lights, perhaps for the fist
time, or see their loved ones, and hopefully read God's
word, as Tom did every day.
My prayer is simple - I pray these two people will be
able to see the world as my beloved husband did. He loved
life, and lived it fully by enjoying the time he had been
given. |
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Thomas Hudson
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Dr. Kay Martin Huggins
If only the recipients of Kay's eyes could see the world
as he saw it, they would be blessed beyond measure! He
saw the potential in all of us, and encouraged and nurtured
us into the fullness of life.
His commitment to his faith, family and friends, his insightfulness
of the world around him, his love of all things sports,
his wonderful sense of humor and never-ending supply of
jokes endeared him to all who knew him.
We, his family, are grateful that Kay could donate the
gift of sight, as his last physical contribution after
a full lifetime of service to others.
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Hildegard Maria Humphrey
Hildegard Maria Humphrey gave the gift of life to
three daughters. With the will of God and the medical
profession, she was able to give another person the
gift of sight. We honored and loved our mother for the
strength and courage she showed us during her life.
Our mother had a determined spirit. She was determined
to have a home of her own, so she worked diligently,
much longer than most who had half her pain, until her
goal was attained.
She was a true friend. For as long as we can remember,
we have always been close and have been able to talk
about anything. Our mom was there for us, and gave support
whenever it was needed.
She was strong, caring, loving, and giving, even until
the end of her life. We hope her being a donor will
give the recipient a life of seeing the beauty of someone
like our mom.
We sure do miss her, and are so proud to be her daughters.
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| Thomas G. Hunt, Jr.
Thomas entered the Marine Corps in 1968 and served proudly
for twenty one years. He served in Vietnam, inspired
and motivated Marines as a Drill Instructor, Motor Transport
Instructor, Embassy Detachment NCOIC, and served various
Fleet Marine Forces Tours.
He was a master teacher and coach at White Oak High
School. He was a loving husband and father, and proud
grandfather. Coaching and mentoring his two children
were very special times in his life.
Thomas touched many lives through his career in the
military and teaching profession. He practiced what
he taught. He and his life stood as an example of his
beliefs about this great country.
We will miss him greatly, but we know in our hearts
his work was finished here on earth, and the Lord had
another mission for him.
In loving memory, his family.
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Howard Hurley
Howard and I were married almost 42 years, and enjoyed
many activities including boating, dancing, traveling,
and all our friends. Howard was a true friend; once a
friend, always a friend.
He loved his dogs, Snuggles (a Border Collie) and Little
Bit (a Beagle). Once he took them with him in the truck,
on a very hot day. He left the air conditioner on while
he did a short errand. When he came out, the dogs had
hit the lock and Howard was locked out. We laughed a lot
over this. We had no children, so the dogs were his babies.
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Larry Idol
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Rhonda Ingold Rhonda
enjoyed horseback riding and mountain trips. We spent
our honeymoon in western North Carolina.
We were married just eighteen days before she died.
She worked for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, working
on programs that helped MS clients.
Being a total organ donor was another way for her to
help people in need.
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