Understanding Donations

African Americans & Donation

Personal Stories

Reverend Washington, Liver Recipient
In 1995 I was forced to step away from my involvement in the community and my job as an emergency medical technician as a result of a debilitating illness that destroyed my liver.

As you can imagine, this was a very difficult time for my loved ones. During this time, I received an assurance from the Lord that "it was already done." My life verse is, "But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:9

I received a generous donation from an individual and this person's family and underwent an organ transplant. I have now regained my health and I am once again able to be active in the community. In 1998 I became Senior Pastor of the Church of God Tabernacle, and this year I took over the helm of our local civil rights/human rights organization, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Loretta B., Kidney Donor
As a result of diabetes, my brother developed kidney failure and was forced to undergo dialysis three times a week. This procedure was very exhausting and had many negative effects on his body. Eventually he was placed on the waiting list for kidney transplant.

After a family consultation, each of his siblings volunteered to donate their kidney. As a group we weighed all the circumstances and decided that I would be the first to undergo testing to determine eligibility and compatibility.

Fortunately, I was able to give one of my kidneys to my brother. This was indeed a team effort that involved the love and support of our entire family. We all worked together to improve the quality of life of our brother, son, husband, father, nephew, and cousin. To God be all the glory for what He has done.