Derie Reece is a hero in every sense of the word. She made the decision to give the gift of life to others by donating her organs.

On Saturday, July 24, 2010, Derie's husband, Kevin, will honor his wife's heroism with an event to encourage others to follow Derie's example and become organ donors.

The event, which will be held at Ronda Town Hall from 1–3:30 p.m., is simply titled, “Fellowship: Honoring the life of Derie Cheek Reece.” Kevin Reece and Carolina Donor Services will host family, friends and community members in celebration of Derie's life and also the life that she gave to others.

“After 13 years of being married, she's a part of me... and I can't think of a better way to honor her than holding this event,” said Kevin.

According to Kevin, Derie, who died of a brain hemorrhage on May 25, 2010, always said, “A community working together could accomplish anything.”

After doctors notified Kevin of Derie's passing, Kevin recalled his wife's devotion to her community and an earlier discussion he had with his wife about an uncle who died while waiting for a lung transplant. He immediately informed the doctors of Derie's wishes to donate her organs.

On June 11, 2010, the Reece family was informed by Caroina Donor Services that Derie's organs had been used to save the lives of two North Carolina residents. Both patients, who received kidney transplants thanks to Derie, are now in excellent condition.

Kevin believes that the most important thing for people to take away from Derie's memorial is an understanding of the significance of organ donation and the steps to take to insure that family knows of one's desire to donate organs.

Derie's cause has already garnered support from well-know proponents of organ donation. Featured as a guest speaker at Saturday's event will be Robert Yates, longtime owner of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team Yates Racing.

In a released statement, Yates said, “Organ donors provide a gift and you have the power to change someone's world by being a donor... Derie was able to keep families together and I am proud to be a donor. It shows great compassion and generosity, and I hope it sends an inspiring message to others about the importance of organ donation.”

Carroll Shelby, renowned automobile designer and racing legend, also acknowledged Derie's legacy. Shelby himself is a recipient of donors' heart and kidney transplants and has devoted much of his charitable work to the Carroll Shelby Foundation, which, among other initiatives, provides support to children in need of organ transplants.

“As a recipient and the reason I am here today, I thank Derie for the gift of life she gave to several and their families. I can say because of someone like Derie I am here today, as with her someone made the decision to become an organ donor also and give a gift – the gift of life,” said Shelby in a statement to the Reece family.

Kevin Reece hopes that Saturday's event will serve as a lasting inspiration to the community through stories of Derie's love, compassion and heroism. He intends for the event to become an annual memorial to his wife and the mother of the couple's two children, Chandler and Maci.

“Derie believed that a community that comes together could overcome anything," said Reece. "The purpose of the event is to bring the community together and remember someone special."

For more information on Saturday's event, call Kevin Reece at 336-519-4196.