Archie
Kidney Recipient

In 1990, at the age of 47, I learned that I would need a kidney transplant.

Initially, I went to the emergency room after experiencing extended flu-like symptoms and blurred vision. Doctors diagnosed me with kidney failure as the result of high blood pressure, and I was immediately put on dialysis.

At first, the treatments seemed to work fine, but eventually I became physically and emotionally drained. I developed a reluctance to continue the treatments and experienced severe depression. Thankfully, my depressed state was apparent to nurses who urged doctors to put my name on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. In less than a year, on Feb. 22, 1991, I received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor.

At first, I did not comprehend the magnitude of the gift I was about to receive. After my kidney transplant, I felt I was given a new lease on life. I have completed my business degree and pursued a career in non-profit management. I am currently the vice president for Black Transplants – a support and advocacy group for African-American organ recipients. Now I give back, taking every opportunity I have to inspire the community to donate life.