CASTLE HAYNE – This April, in honor of National Donate Life Month, an N.C. Department of Transportation employee is sharing his story of what it can truly mean to heed the call of public service. Chad Ray, an equipment shop employee, didn’t expect to put his life on the line.
Ray was inspired to act one Sunday morning after hearing a member of his church speak about their need for a kidney.
“Right sitting in the chair, I felt like God was calling me to do it,” said Ray. “I’m looking at my kids, I’m looking at my wife and if I’m needing a kidney or needing an organ and life is on the line, I would pray that someone would take that step for me and my family.”
After extensive testing and bloodwork, Ray learned he was not a perfect match for the member of his church. However, Ray’s donation moved his intended recipient to the top of the transplant list, and Ray’s kidney was matched with another person in need.
“Two people actually benefitted from one,” said Ray. Both recipients have since undergone their transplant procedures.
Ray credits his service to the state as a source of pride and motivation in his life. “Working for the Department of Transportation has been the greatest decision in the world for me. I love working for my state.”
North Carolinians can sign up to be an organ donor when applying for or renewing a driver license through the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.
Watch the fully story on the Department’s YouTube channel. Media wanting to share Ray’s story should download a broadcast quality version of the video via Vimeo. No additional interviews will be available at this time.