RALEIGH- A mother is leading the charge to encourage others to become organ donors.  Right now thousands across the state are waiting for a second chance, and during this season of giving, Carolina Donor Services is encouraging people to become an organ donor and potentially save a life.

Dr. Sandra Coley has turned her pain into passion.  This will be another holiday without her son D Jay, but she’s focusing on the positive.

“I miss his smile.  I miss his encouragement,” said Dr. Sandra Coley.

At the age of 22 his talents were vast.  A musician, a dancer and a standout student.  He graduated from Goldsboro High School with honors and made his way through NC State University on a full scholarship.  However, nearly six months after graduating college, he died in a drowning accident in 2008.

“When Demetrius died I was devastated.  He was an only child.  He was very giving, he was very loving, he was full of life,” Dr. Coley added.

D Jay was always a proud organ donor, and knowing he was able to give the ultimate gift upon his passing gave her hope.

“I was prepared because Demetrius made the decision to be an organ donor years before he had the heart placed on his license,” Dr. Coley said.

D Jay’s gift save at least three lives, but the need for donors grows each day.

“Right now there's a really critical shortage of available organs and unfortunately in the US alone there are more than 123,000 people waiting for an organ transplant.  In North Carolina, there are more than 3,000 people that are waiting for a second chance of life,” said Taylor Anderton, Community Relations Coordinator with Carolina Donor Services.

Every ten minutes a new name is added to the list.  Every volunteer can make a significant impact.

“One donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation,” added Anderton.

“Give the gift of life.  Please leave those gifts here because someone can use them.  Make the decision to become organ and tissue donor,” Dr. Coley said.

On December 20th, Dr. Sandra Coley will release a book about coping with the loss of a loved one especially during the holiday season. 

If you’re interested in becoming an organ donor, you can sign up with Carolina Donor Services.