Celebrate 20 years of the donor registry at the Gift of Life Gala April 18!

Mother Gave Life, Then Received Life From Son

Courtney Potter and the UNC Health Care News Team made this inspirational video to feature the incredible story of Delores Benton Evans, kidney recipient and donor mother. Delores struggled with kidney disease for over 30 years. Her son, Ryan Benton Evans, underwent testing to see if he could be a living donor to his mother. He could not due to a blood disorder.

Unfortunately, Ryan died in a tragic accident in November 2008. Delores supported the decision for Ryan to be an organ and cornea donor. At that time, she believed she still could not receive one of Ryan's kidneys. In the end, she was able to, and now Delores has made organ, tissue and cornea donation part of her mission in North Carolina. Delores has met two of the other organ recipients that Ryan saved. She continues to volunteer her time for Carolina Donor Services and Donate Life North Carolina, speaking at engagements across the country, and living her life to honor her loving and giving son.