My name is Derek Bolton, and I am 51 years old. I’m currently living in Georgia. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where I graduated from high school in 1992. I took some time off after school to find my future career. I joined the Navy in 1997. While I was in the Navy I was stationed in Kings Bay Georgia on the USS Maryland SSBN 738(G) & USS Maine SSBN 741(B) my jobs included working as an Admin assistance(we did everything from accepting new personnel/maintaining their pay and making sure the crews family of the opposite crew where able to talk with us if any issues arised). For the last couple of years, I had the opportunity to work with an F/A-18 training Squadron at NAS Lemoore. I worked as a legal officer, handling all disciplinary issues.
After leaving the military in 2005, I transitioned to civilian life and became an account manager for a large landscape maintenance company. I did this for approximately 12 years. I then moved on to a company that assisted the Highway Patrol and motorists who had car problems or accidents on major interstates. It was very satisfying assisting stranded motorists and keeping highway patrol safe while they worked on accidents. I did this for approximately 3 years before moving to Georgia, where I worked for Big Lots as an assistant store manager. Unfortunately, because of my health, I had to stop working for the company. I am married, going on 13 years in April 2026. Between my wife and I we have 5 kids. My eldest son is 26, my wife’s eldest son turns 26 this February, and he is a leap year baby. I have a stepdaughter who just turned 18. Then, of course, the two youngest boys, 13 & 11, this April. A couple of months ago my stepson informed us we are going to grandparents in June, first one. I have been diagnosed with CKD, end-stage renal disease, for going on 5 years, and have been on dialysis since I was diagnosed. I tried PD, but my body rejected it, so now I am on HD dialysis. A couple of my hobbies included metal detecting (when I had the energy before starting dialysis) and fishing, which I still do because I can sit. My family enjoys traveling, but right now I am sidelined because of dialysis and the lack of energy due to CKD.
We need you to help us support Derek. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
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.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611