“I recently decided to pursue becoming a living kidney donor because I was led, through prayer, to do something bigger than myself.
“I had recently resigned from a job I was passionate about, because I was seeking a bigger sense of purpose and fulfillment. In that trying time, God challenged me to make all my life decisions based on my faith in Jesus Christ, not on worldly views and beliefs. In my prayers, I kept asking God what was next. I knew He was calling me to something greater as I gave up something I truly loved. In my prayers, God told me to ‘do something for someone that they can never repay.’ Though I didn’t know what that meant at the time, I could finally begin to see my path.
“As I was thankful to know my direction, I still could not find the destination. As I prayed, God began to put little clues for my calling in daily activities. All of a sudden, everywhere I looked I began to see and hear about organ failure and in particular kidney donation: through social media posts, hearing about clients I work with impacted by failing organs, a family member’s being diagnosed with lupus and even hearing a radio advertisement about — you guessed it — the UAB Kidney Chain.
“Eventually I found myself maneuvering through Emory University and finding my place at UAB. After going through tests and being selected as a candidate, I was paired with a complete stranger who I am grateful for every day. Being able to give away an organ to someone — who very well could be me or anyone I loved — has given me a new vision to love others sacrificially, no matter where they are in their lives.
“Honestly, the decision to donate was not a difficult one for me. I tried to put myself in the position of the person in need, and it made it an easy decision. It was more difficult for my wife and mother to come to terms with the surgery. I just wanted to be obedient, and I have not once regretted my decision. It truly is giving life to a person and their entire family.
“My biggest fear as a donor was being dependent on someone else to take care of my health care and day-to-day needs. I don’t like asking for help, and I knew that this would be something that would leave me with no option. I’m very thankful for the caring UAB nurses, doctors and surgeons who treat you like a member of their own family. My family, in particular my wife, Megan, were huge in my recovery process.
“Going through this entire process was very smooth. I was in constant communication with the transplant team and always had my questions answered quickly and thoroughly. I actually started the process at another transplant clinic, but it just did not feel right. Within the first few minutes of meeting with the team at UAB, I knew I was at ‘home.’ The communication from start to finish was impressive.
“For those who have thought about becoming a living kidney donor, my advice would be to take the first step and fill out the Living Kidney Donation Screening Form. UAB gives you the freedom to stop the process at any point leading up the surgery for any reason whatsoever. But honestly, when you see the need and experience what an opportunity you have to change someone’s life, you’ll be hooked!
“I must say that meeting my recipient was one of the greatest moments of my life. I got to meet with Bryon Langford a couple of days after the surgery while we were both still recovering. After I finally gained enough strength to make a few laps around the hall, I wanted to meet Bryon.
“When I walked in the room, he knew who I was immediately and the tears couldn’t be stopped from him, his mother, my wife or me. It was such a powerful moment that we shared, and I cannot fully describe how awesome that meeting was. I went over to shake his hand, thinking he would be in too much pain for anything more. Instead, he shot up out of his bed and we embraced each other and became immediate brothers. He couldn’t stop expressing his gratitude, and we spent some time getting to know each other and formed a bond that will last the rest of our lives.
“Byron and I stay in contact with each other weekly, and he is our self-appointed godfather to our future daughter. Actually, Megan and I found out we are expecting two days before the transplant!
“It’s really cool to be part of this chain of transplants. I had no idea until after the surgery about the chain’s length. It’s incredible to be a small piece of something that has impacted so many lives.
“You’ll never regret starting the process of giving life. It truly is a realistic, attainable opportunity to change and give someone life. The team at UAB, headed up by Dr. Jayme Locke, will impact you and give to you much more than you could ever imagine. This group now is family to me, and I would do it again if I had another kidney to give! Through sharing my story, we recently had a friend compelled to donate a kidney, and she was recently approved to be a donor! There again, the chain keeps adding links, and you have the same opportunity to impact lives you may never know or touch.”