KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — A Kingsport man is searching for a kidney donor.
James Dick, 77, has been a dentist in the area for over 50 years, helping people better their smiles and lives. Now, he’s the one in need of help after being diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) due to kidney failure in February. The condition is terminal without dialysis or a transplant.
He called the ordeal a shock as he has always taken care of himself and been health conscious.
“It’s a mystery because I’ve always been active and kind of a health nut, actually,” Dick said.
Which schools received threats in the Tri-Cities? While he’s still coming to grips with his diagnosis he says he still has a lot to look forward to, like seeing his two grandchildren grow up and graduate high school and spending time with his wife who he has leaned on during this time.
“My wife Andrea has been wonderful,” Dick said. “It’s been a big, big change for her. She’s having to deal with all this and supporting me with that and the changes, her retaining her schedule, you know, she’s cooking and cleaning and keeping the sterile environment, which is very important.”
While his wife has been there to take care of him at home, he has been working with the National Kidney Registry to get his story out and to try and find the right match for donation.
“They have been doing kidney transplants for decades and have a system developed to try to help people find kidney donors and to guide people who are willing to explore that option,” he said.
He says the National Kidney Registry has been a great resource and encouraged him to set up his own website.
It’s also a great resource for the donor with information on compensation, travel reimbursement, accommodations, and medical expenses, as well as letting people know that almost all people who donate live a normal healthy life and that the screening process removes those who would be at risk.
“Please help me find a kidney donor,” Dick said. “Let people know, go to social media, to your friends, neighbors, relatives’ business acquaintances and help me to get the word out.”
You can help by going to kidneyregistry.com or his website nkr.org/TFR658
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