Donation Stories

One act of generosity becomes a lifetime of impact.

Love Match: Wife donates kidney to husband

Pat Cadwell / Living Donor
& Jody Cadwell / Kidney Recipient

Pat and Jody Cadwell built a life, family, and business together. Married now for 35 years, they never imagined they would also share in the experience of kidney transplantation.  Jody was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) when he was 40 years old.  PKD causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys. Too many cysts…

Living donor’s purpose-driven life

Christopher Woody, Sr. / Living Donor

“In life, you have to know your purpose,” these are wise words from Richmonder Christopher Woody, Sr.  In 2013, Woody donated his kidney to his 13-year-old cousin saving his life. Woody didn’t hesitate to get screened to see if he was compatible to donate to him, and once he learned he was a match, he…

A mother’s love: Son saved with kidney donation

Alex Larson / Kidney Recipient
& Brandi Larson / Living Donor

When Brandi Larson was pregnant with her now five-year-old son Alex, she learned he was going to need a kidney transplant. Alex had Caudal regression syndrome, a disorder that impairs the lower development of the body. The kidneys are often malformed. Without hesitation, Brandi wanted to be his living donor. She had the support of…

Alexandria woman uses social media to find living donor

Malkia White / Kidney Transplant

Malkia White needs a kidney transplant to save her life.  In November 2017, she learned she was in renal failure after having chronic kidney disease most of her life. When she was a child, Malkia was diagnosed with Berger’s Disease, a condition that damages the glomeruli inside your kidneys. “I want to live to spend…

Minister grateful for his second chance at life

Dr. Patrick Gee / Kidney Transplant

“The journey really took off after the transplant,” shares Dr. Patrick Gee. “Everything I went through with this transplant. Everything that I went through while I was on peritoneal dialysis. Everything that I went through with being hard-headed and not wanting to take care of myself led to divine intervention.” In 2003, Patrick was diagnosed…

Checking your status could change 75 lives

Did you know organ, eye and tissue donation can save 8 people, and improve life for 75 more? Check your status right now, and sign up to help others have longer, stronger lives.