2016 Major Kelley Chase

MAJOR KELLEY CHASE

Organ, Tissue, and Cornea Donor

Age 38 ~ Edmond, OK

Donated on 10/14/2012

at Mercy Health System

Honored by LifeShareOK.org

Kelley Chase was a hero in many ways.  He served in the air force as a hero for his country.  He was a community hero joining the Oklahoma City police department.  Kelley was even a hero to his wife, Elke, and two children, Kyle and Alesia.  Even during his time of death, Kelley’s heroism was evident with his decision to be an organ donor.  Kelley had been registered to be an organ donor for years. Through his donation, six lives were saved, including 2016 float rider Ralph Howell, who received Kelley’s heart.

Kelley’s Story

Kelley Chase was a hero in many ways.  He served in the air force as a hero for his country.  He was a community hero joining the Oklahoma City police department.  Kelley was even a hero to his wife, Elke, and two children, Kyle and Alesia.  Even during his time of death, Kelley’s heroism was evident with his decision to be an organ donor.

Kelley had been registered to be an organ donor for years.  He and his wife had it in their will to be donors. Through Kelley’s donation, six lives were saved.  “Kelley saved several lives and I know that is exactly how he would have wanted it.”

Elke is from Belgium and there you are registered to be a donor from the time you are born. “It wasn’t even a question in either one of our minds if we would be donors,” explained Elke. “I wish it were like that here in the United States. I wish everyone would be an organ donor. If one person can save so many lives, think of the difference a country could make.”

In May 2014, Kelley was recognized as a fallen officer and Elke had the wonderful experience of meeting Kelley’s heart recipient, Ralph Howell.  Ralph and his wife, Barbara, attended the national memorial.

“It is hard to believe he is gone; it has been nearly two years and I miss him every day. Kyle is a spitting image of his father,” said Elke.  “The kids are strong and brave and have been dealing with this well. Kelley would be proud of them.  Kyle and Alesia have good memories of their dad and I want those memories to stay with them.”

“Kelley was such an inspiring person; he would have wanted to inspire people with his story,” explains Elke. “So I hope that people reading this will take time to register as an organ donor.”