Please allow me to introduce myself to you.
My name is Ali Upshaw, and I am 55 years of age. I joined the United States Army right out of high school in 1989. I worked in a transportation unit where I delivered ammunition to the front line during my two tours of combat. One during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabi for nine months and the other in Somalia for six months for famine relief during their civil war. I served four years and left with the rank of Specialist and was awarded a Bronze Star and other medals and awards.
Going into civilian life I tried several jobs but ended up in the dental field for 23 years. I made teeth (dentures, but my specialty was veneers), trained employees and was a manager. I really enjoyed making people smile. Unfortunately, I had to give up that career due to my health.
My battle with high blood pressure brought on the new challenge of declining health and kidney failure. Since August of 2022, I have needed the help of a dialysis machine to keep me alive. I started going off and on at the dialysis clinic but now I do it at home five days a week.
My wonderful wife Tonya and I have been married for going on seven years. We have three adult children; one daughter and two sons, and a dog. I played a little basketball in high school and did some coaching in middle and high school. I enjoy coaching youth and high school basketball and training kids as much as I am able.
Right now, I am in the process of using State VA benefits to go back to school for sports management. After receiving the gift of a living donor transplant, I would love to get a head coaching job at a school and continue to work with youth and help them as they move through life.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and learn a little bit about me.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Ali’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on his life and the life of his family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611