Hello everyone! My name is Gilbert Bynum III, but many people know me as “B ” or “Sargeant B.” I spent years serving in the U.S. Army. Discipline, loyalty, perseverance, and pushing through adversity became part of who I am. I’ve always believed that when life knocks you down, you survey the situation, get back up and keep it moving.
Today, however, I’m facing the toughest battle of my life: End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). I was diagnosed with kidney failure on St. Patrick’s Day 2025 after a routine Annual Wellness visit. My goal is to receive a kidney transplant before my condition progresses any further, and my medical team has advised a living donor gives me my best opportunity for a long and healthy life. One of my biological daughters stepped forward and completed the living-donor evaluation process in hopes of donating a kidney to me. I will never be able to fully express how much her willingness to help meant to me. Unfortunately, during the required medical and genetic testing, doctors discovered genetic findings involving the SMAD9 and TTR genes. Although my own laboratory testing indicated that I was not the carrier of the genetic finding in question that could have been passed to her, the results ultimately made her ineligible to donate a kidney to me—or to anyone else in need of a kidney. As a father, that was incredibly difficult news for both of us. My daughter was willing to make such a tremendous sacrifice for me, and although she could not become my donor, I am forever grateful for her courage, love, and willingness to try. Her journey reminded me that I cannot give up hope. I am still searching for the person who may be able to give me the gift of a living kidney donation and another chance at life.
Before my kidneys began to fail, I was honored to be named Mr. Hampton Roads 2010 in recognition of my commitment to community service and youth development. Through my volunteer work, I mentored young fathers, helping them navigate the challenges of fatherhood and encouraging them to become positive role models for their children. I founded Help My Child Mentoring & Family Literacy Service (GED Program). I also helped bring a new children’s playground to an underserved area of Portsmouth, Virginia, creating a safe and welcoming space where children and families could come together. This recognition was a meaningful reflection of my belief that lasting change begins with investing in people, strengthening families, and serving the community.
I worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad as a Train Conductor from 2005 to 2010. In November 2010, I was involved in a train incident that changed my life. After several reconstructive surgeries and years of physical therapy, I had to fight my way back to relearn how to walk again. I did it! I felt like Superman! Life continued to bring challenges. My wife and I divorced after 13 years of marriage, but through it all, I remained committed to being there for my daughters. Both of my girls were athletic, and I proudly supported them by attending their cheerleading competitions, basketball games, and disc-hurling competitions.
From January 2012 through January 2016, I prepared and provided hot meals for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Portsmouth, Virginia. In February 2016, I took my love of cooking and my passion for helping others to the church I attended, where I started Plates of Love—a monthly community meal created to serve both church members and people in need in the surrounding community. Helping others has always been important to me. Whether it was serving meals to people in need, supporting my daughters, serving my country, or simply being there for someone going through a difficult time, I have always believed that we are called to help one another. Now, I’m the one who needs help. I am officially on the kidney transplant waiting list at three locations:
⦁ Inova Hospital — Fairfax, Virginia
⦁ University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia
⦁ Virginia State University/VSU — Richmond, Virginia
I have been told that the average wait for a deceased-donor kidney can be 3–6 years. With my kidneys currently functioning at less than 10% capacity, the thought of waiting that long is frightening. My medical team believes that a living donor is my best chance at receiving a transplant and having the opportunity to live a long, healthy life. Asking for help does not come easily to a Soldier who has spent his life believing he can handle anything. But this isn’t about pride. It’s about my daughters, my family, and the chance to keep living.
If you are healthy and willing to explore living kidney donation, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider learning more about whether you could be a match. You don’t have to know me personally, nor do you have to feel obligated to donate. Something as simple as taking the time to learn about living kidney donations or sharing my story with someone else could make a tremendous difference. I’ve spent much of my life serving others, fighting through adversity, and trying to be strong for the people I love. Superman needs help from his Kryptonite! If you are willing to consider becoming a living donor—or simply share my story so that it reaches the right person—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness, prayers, encouragement, and willingness to share this mission mean more to my family and me than I could ever articulate. Thank you for standing with me in this fight.
We need you to help us support Gilbert. 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.