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Tag: kidney transplant

  • 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.

    Will you consider getting tested to help Chief Miles Allen? Share this story to spread awareness and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

  • Roc Nation Rallies for Candice: A Kidney Transplant Plea

    Candice Davis, a dedicated and beloved member of Roc Nation for over two decades, is facing a critical health challenge. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17, her health has unfortunately deteriorated over the years, leading to kidney failure. Now, Roc Nation is rallying together, launching “A Cause for Candice” to help find a lifesaving kidney donor and raise awareness about the nationwide kidney shortage.

    A Two-Decade Journey of Loyalty and Health Battles

    Candice’s journey with Roc Nation began in 2002 at Baseline Studios, supporting Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez. She played a key role in operations for the 40/40 Club and joined the office operations team full-time in 2021. Throughout her tenure, she managed significant health challenges, including enduring over 25 surgeries due to complications from diabetes, brittle bone disorder (renal osteodystrophy), and kidney failure. The loss of her husband last year added further trauma to her already difficult situation.

    Her kidney function declined drastically, requiring her to start peritoneal dialysis in November 2022. Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Candice remains determined: “I feel like I’m still supposed to be here. I haven’t given up. I’m gonna fight. I’ve always been a fighter.”

    Roc Nation’s Philanthropic Support

    Learning of Candice’s urgent need, her Roc Nation family didn’t hesitate to act. Dania Diaz, a representative from Team Roc, Roc Nation’s philanthropic arm, described Candice as an “instrumental part of our daily operations” and an “incredible human being who’s exhibited incredible strength.” The decision to launch “A Cause for Candice” was swift, driven by the “dire need to raise awareness” about the kidney crisis.

    Candice expressed deep emotion upon learning about the campaign, stating, “It feels amazing. I always expect people not to care, and it’s amazing when you find people that actually do.” Her situation highlights a broader crisis: nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. await kidney transplants, with 11 dying daily. Diaz herself admitted she wasn’t fully aware of the scale of the kidney shortage until supporting Candice.

    The Kidney Crisis and Living Donation

    Diaz also aims to dispel misconceptions about living donation, emphasizing that many people thrive with just one kidney. “It’s not so scary,” she noted. “And you have a lot of power to help someone in need. This is a moment where you can.”

    The burden of kidney disease disproportionately affects Black Americans, who constitute about a third of those with kidney failure, largely due to diabetes, hypertension, and healthcare inequities. Candice’s daughter volunteered to donate but was ruled ineligible due to being pre-diabetic. Candice’s AB-positive blood type is compatible with many donors, but her “100 percent antibodies” complicate the search, requiring a donor without the same antibodies to prevent rejection.

    Candice’s deepest wish is to live long enough to see her children marry and have children of their own, ensuring they don’t become orphans after losing their father. She also hopes to establish a support group to help others navigate similar health crises. Anyone inspired to help can begin the screening process at acauseforcandice.com, indicating their wish to be screened for Candice Davis. The Paper Plane store in New York is also raising awareness and distributing information about living donation.

    Are you moved by Candice’s story and Roc Nation’s campaign? Consider visiting acauseforcandice.com to learn more about becoming a living kidney donor. Share this story to help spread awareness!