I served in the US Army for over six years working as a wheel/track vehicle mechanic and as a recovery specialist and rose to the rank of Sergeant. In that time, I was deployed to Southwest Asia during Desert Storm, where I saw combat and received a Bronze Star. I enjoyed being able to travel and see different cultures and meet the people there.
After leaving the military, I worked as a detention specialist at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and worked at the USPS for eight years. I also received my certification in diesel mechanics and spent some time working at a Travel Centers of America. My last career choice was to become a police officer and within four years I was appointed Chief of Police, but unfortunately, I had to retire because of medical conditions.
I am single and have one son who is my life. He is a three-time state football champion. He is graduating with a 4.8 GPA from Dutch Fork High School and has been accepted to several colleges’ honors societies. I started a sound and DJ company and have since passed it on to my son, and he is doing very well with it. I am very thankful for my great caregiver; she has been with me for three years every day and night. She opened her home for me when I had no place to go.
In 2015, I was told I had kidney disease and went on dialysis in June 2016. In August 2023, I had to have my right leg amputated, but I stay in good spirits. Thankfully, I have a prosthetic that is computerized and makes it much easier to get around.
I really enjoyed playing all sports, fishing, and traveling. I like to volunteer by talking to other kidney and amputation patients. There is nothing like hearing it from someone who has been through the same conditions and is on a similar journey. I would like to continue to stay as active as I can, so I can be there for my son and my wonderful caregiver—a kidney transplant is the best option.
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 Charles’ 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