Vernisha and Yvonne met at Dozier Middle School in Newport News and became fast friends. More than thirty years later, Yvonne would become Vernisha’s living donor.  Kidney disease was not new to Vernisha’s life. Shortly after meeting Yvonne, Vernisha’s father went into kidney failure. He would spend nearly 20 years on dialysis, and in his final two years, Vernisha and her…

15 years ago, when he learned that his wife needed a transplant, Scott Bucci was eager to find out if he was a match. Early on in their marriage, Scott’s wife Melissa became ill. As time passed, her illness progressed and began to require more and more medical interventions. Eventually, her illness began to impact…

Hughton and Sophia Hughton Maye faced challenges for years with diabetes. Diagnosed in 2004, he struggled with the treatment and management of the disease. In 2012, his doctors started seeing evidence of his diabetes affecting his kidneys. Keeping a close watch on things, they were able to manage it until 2019 when he received the…

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…

“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…