After registering as an organ and tissue donor on the South Carolina Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, Ronald Snipes became the first registered donor to donate his organs in South Carolina. Although he lived in the state, he worked on a military base several hours away in Georgia and would come home during long breaks in his job. It was during such a break in June 2009 that Ronald complained of feeling unusually tired and having a headache. A short time later his wife, Doris, found him unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital and died from a stroke at age 57.

Several months prior, Ronald had visited the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) with his daughter to obtain a new ID required for his job. As he filled out the paperwork, he came to the section about the new South Carolina Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. He paused to think about how to answer the question.

Doris recalled, “My daughter was with him and she said, ‘What if something should happen to me or Brianna (her two-year-old daughter)? Wouldn’t you want someone to help us?’ After thinking about that, Ronald decided he wanted to become an organ and tissue donor.

“I think it was a wonderful decision,” said Breanna. “What better way to show God’s love and to give life than to give your organs to somebody? Without that, they wouldn’t be able to live. I think it’s important for people to do this. If I had to make that decision at that time, it would have been a lot more difficult, because you’re going through so much emotion. So when he made the decision, I didn’t have to make it. I just went along with his wishes.”

While it was difficult losing her husband, knowing that he saved the lives of others provides some comfort to Doris and her family. “Two men from Virginia got his kidneys. One is 52 and the other is 50. They have the chance to live because of Ronald. It makes me feel good that part of him is still living and helping somebody.

“Ronald made this decision before the idea of death had even crossed his mind. His noble action has allowed him to give the ultimate gift, the gift of life.”