My name is Larry Smith, and I am a husband and father to my lovely wife and my two wonderful adult children. I served four years in the U.S. Navy as a machinery repairman and really enjoyed the travel and the two Pacific tours I did.
After leaving the military, I ended up getting into Engineering and Computer Automation. I specialized in setting up Auto ID systems and developing custom software for small businesses to track inventory. This industry gave me an opportunity to use my problem-solving skills, which always gave me great satisfaction.
From about 2015 to 2021, I was a coach for a local high school’s robotics team, as part of the FIRST organization. Our team was FRC 5137 Iron Kodiaks. We would build a functioning robot in six weeks then take it to different competitions. The team usually did very well, finishing in the top 25 percent!
Unfortunately, I was diagnosed about eleven years ago with kidney disease. My kidney function continued to decline, which necessitated the start of hemodialysis in early 2023. My lack of stamina and not having the energy to do things is my biggest limitation. I continue helping kids interested in the STEM field in a limited capacity but hope, after the gift of a kidney, I can get back to dedicating more time to the kids.
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 Larry’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