Georgia Fire Chief Needs Kidney Donor

After dedicating nearly four decades of his life to serving others, Douglas County Fire Chief Miles Allen is now in urgent need of a life-saving gift. Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Chief Allen is actively seeking a living kidney donor as his health continues to decline.

A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Chief Allen’s career in public safety spans almost 40 years, including a prior stint in the U.S. Air Force. His commitment to protecting and serving his community has been unwavering. Now, he faces a personal health crisis that requires the community’s help.

The diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition causing cysts to form on the kidneys, has significantly impacted his health. This condition gradually impairs kidney function over time. Chief Allen shared that his condition was discovered during a routine medical evaluation in 2010, and it has progressed substantially since then.

The Urgency for a Donor

Currently, Chief Allen’s kidney function has dropped to approximately 13%. This critical level puts him at high risk of needing dialysis if a suitable kidney donor is not found soon. PKD affects hundreds of thousands of Americans, often progressing silently until symptoms become severe, making early intervention and donor matches crucial for survival.

The need for kidney donors is particularly acute within Black communities, where kidney disease disproportionately affects individuals, yet they often face longer wait times for transplants. To broaden his search beyond immediate family, who might also be at risk due to the genetic nature of PKD, Chief Allen has partnered with Piedmont Hospital and the National Kidney Registry.

How You Can Help

Doctors emphasize that kidneys from living donors tend to last significantly longer than those from deceased donors, making early matches incredibly vital. Chief Allen is reaching out to everyone – family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers – encouraging anyone with healthy kidneys to consider getting tested. “If you have two good functioning kidneys, be a blessing to someone else and get tested,” he urged.

Those interested in learning more about the donation process or potentially becoming a donor can visit the National Kidney Registry at www.kidneyregistry.org or contact Piedmont Hospital’s transplant program directly. The man who has spent his career responding to emergencies is now hoping someone will answer his call for help.