My name is Helon Wyllie, and I served 37 years as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Army. The last 26 were on active duty with the Massachusetts National Guard. I was primarily stationed at my state Joint Force Headquarters where I specialized in paper and digital personnel records initiation, maintenance, and disposal. Most of my career was in Human Resources, I supervised a team responsible for validating Soldier readiness as well as the deploying Service Member’s Family. Supporting things like single parent or business care plans and current beneficiaries for Service Members Group Life Insurance. One of my top memorable accomplishments was being a member of the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment Ceremonial Unit. In addition to participating in many events at our State House and at funeral details, we were honored to be invited to march in the first Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama.
My post-active-duty career was perhaps the most gratifying. I was selected as an Army contractor and assigned as the first Survivor Outreach Service Coordinator for Massachusetts. I worked with the Families and Friends of our Fallen Service Members. I assisted Gold Star and Survivor Families with benefits and resources. I was there to listen when everyone else was gone. During this time, I was appointed as Co-Chair to my state’s Veterans Community Engagement Board, served as Personnel Sergeant Major for the now-defunct Massachusetts State Defense Force, and left full-time employment as the Family Assistance Centers Coordinator for the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
Family has always been important. To me, family is a unit with common interests. I have been blessed with a strong and loving extended family that includes relatives by blood and marriage, as well as my military family. My house means tradition. So many of my Godchildren and friends still reach out for advice and support. I have always been proud to be a good provider for my family, available with caution and concern; always teaching and explaining, even if not always listening or available because of my professional obligations. Except when it came to holidays and special occasions. My wife and I love decorating, hosting, and entertaining. You can always count on plenty of food, fun, music, and activities for all of our family and guests of all ages.
For many years, while serving in the military, I had the opportunity to support blood drives at work at least semiannually. I looked forward to donating blood that could potentially help save a life. During one donation, I was denied because my blood pressure was too high. I had to go to the hospital, be referred to a nephrologist, then a dietician, put on meds, and told to monitor my blood pressure. This went on for approximately 30 years. In April 2022, I underwent a “minor” prostate procedure; unfortunately, the recovery didn’t go as planned. My blood pressure spiked to an all-time high, and I was not responding to any combination of medications in the ICU, potentially having a stroke. When it finally stabilized, I was told I had Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. My initial reaction was how did this happen, what happened to Stages 1 through 3? I never felt sick at all. After several tests, a very wise renal doctor at the VA hospital recommended scanning my adrenal glands. Bingo, he was right, after all these years, the culprit was exposed, only it was too late. Even with the glad removal, too much irreparable kidney damage was done. I need a live kidney donation to survive. The toll my blood pressure and kidneys have taken on my health, and the stability of my family, has been truly frightening, to say the least. The fear in the faces of my wife and daughter while I was in the hospital spoke louder than any words they could say. I saw the familiar look I’ve seen on the faces of too many Service members’ families, worried about whether their soldier was coming home. As any good father, husband, or soldier would, I began focusing on what I would have to do to make my unit secure.
I’m now “back in uniform” as a reserve School Crossing Guard. This is really fun; I get to share stories about my interactions with students, parents, and teachers with my daughter, who has been in education for over 20 years. I now have an opportunity to “listen locally”, in my community and at home. My role in our family is much more important than I realized. I wish for nothing more than to enjoy life with them without feeling like a burden.
With a new kidney, I would be able to relax my mind and just be grateful that I am loved and enjoy life with my extended family, beautiful wife, our daughter, and our dogs. The traditions of a good time at Uncle Helon’s house must continue. It’s clear to me now that my friends, cousins, Godchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, neighbors, current and former colleagues need me spiritually, emotionally, and physically as much as I need them. I have always appreciated the fact that my family unit cares first and foremost about serving others. That’s why I know it is important for me to get as healthy as possible right now. I need a kidney. It has been difficult being the person whom people are praying for and taking care of due to my health complications. This period in my life has forced me to reflect on what is important. It’s all about love and service to others within our family and our community.
My story continued when, to my surprise, I received a call in the early hours of March 2, 2024, that a kidney had been located for me. I was to travel to the hospital immediately for a possible transplant. My transplant was from a deceased donor; unfortunately, the organ did not immediately “wake up”. After two months and several medical complications, the kidney had to be removed. Luckily, I was reinstated without losing any time on the transplant wait list. These last few months have helped me realize I have so much more living to do. I appreciate your kind consideration.
We need you to help us support Helon. 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
