Hi, my name is Gaylon. I am 63 years old and live in Hollywood, Florida with my wife and dog, Benji. I have been married for 17 years to my loving and supportive wife who has been there for me every step of the way. I served three active-duty years in the US Navy as a Yeoman for the Chief Engineer and three years in the Navy Reserves.
I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2014, which resulted from high blood pressure. CKD is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and can cause health problems like heart disease and stroke.
After spending five years on dialysis, my prayers were answered when I received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. My life changed for the better. I felt healthy and strong again. In October 2023, after serving me well for 4 years, my new kidney went into rejection. As a result, I had to restart dialysis for the second time in my life.
Throughout my life, I have been a father, grandfather, and husband. I have worked as a former correctional officer, as a transit Metrorail officer, and as a public servant for Miami Dade and Broward counties. And I have always been a God-fearing man.
Having a new kidney from a living donor would mean the world to me. My body would no longer be retaining fluids causing swelling in my legs and feet. I will feel stronger again and not weak or tired the majority of the time. I am praying that I don’t have to wait another five years to receive a kidney transplant.
I hope you will consider being my living donor. Thank you for taking the time to read and share my story.
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 Gaylon’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