Brotherly Love
The story of Henry Ray of Sussex is a story of love, giving and medical triumph. It's also a story of a strong bond that continues even after death. We visited Henry Ray and his wife Delores in their Sussex kitchen. Looking at the two drying dishes, it was hard to tell that Henry Ray made medical history. The 76-year-old father and grandfather was the first person in Wisconsin to donate a Kidney. The operation took place June 13, 1958 at Women's Brigham Hospital in Boston. Ray had one goal. To save his twin brothers life. James was born with a rare disease that attacked both of his kidneys. Henry was only 24 years old when he underwent that groundbreaking surgery. At that time, he had two small children at home. Still Ray was fearless. Ray tells me he got his strength from faith and God. Ray's wife notes, "That took a lot of courage. They loved each other, and the twins would do it for each other." Ray puts it this way, "I've always believed in the mindset is that you haven't given until you've give something that can't be returned." Because of Henry's gift, his brother James lived another five years after the operation. But when James got sick, Henry, instinctively knew his twin was slipping away. Henry becomes emotional as he remembers the difficult time. "It was like I was seeing him for the last time and knew I would never see him again alive. I cried all the way to the airport..Uncontrollable." But the transplant gave James enough time to marry and have a child. That child, the daughter of James and Henry's niece now lives in North Carolina. Beverly Weber says she and her Uncle Henry share a close bond. Ray agrees. "She's more like a daughter to me because of the closeness" June 13, 2008, fifty years to the day of the operation, Henry Ray and his family returned to Boston. They visited the pioneering surgeon and Nobel Peace winner Doctor Joseph Murray. Ray jokingly reminisces with the famous physician. "Do you remember coming in and telling me if there's anything you could do for me to let you know." Both laugh. Still vibrant, the 89-year-old surgeon led the family on a hospital tour. I asked Ray why he was so compelled to visit five decades later. He explains, "Dr. King said I had a dream, and I built that dream on seeing Doctor Murray and our entire family on our fiftieth anniversary." Ray has this plea for anyone considering organ donation. "Life is beautiful, it's precious. If you're healthy and able, sign your driver's license as a kidney or organ donor." Though Henry Ray has only one kidney he's healthy, fit, and takes no medications. Meeting Henry Ray, you see the face of unselfish giving. You also witness the result of brilliant science. A true testament to the human spirit, and the marvels of modern medicine.
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