My name is Terry Wilson, and I served in the US Army from 1988 to 1992. Enlisting in the Army is something I have always wanted to do so after high school graduation I signed up. Traveling the world was one reason I wanted to join, while working as a support driver in the Infantry I spent time in Panama during Operation Just Cause in 1989 and six months in Egypt with a Multi-National Unit supporting the Iraqi War. The last year of my service I was moved to another unit to work as an armorer. Serving my country in the Army was the best job I ever had, and I absolutely loved it!
After the military, I spent time working in security and as a driver for O’Reilly Auto parts delivering parts in the surrounding area. In 2007, my kidney function began to decline and by 2020 I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). There is a history of diabetes and high blood pressure in my family, and unfortunately, it caught up to me. I have been reliant on dialysis three days a week since then. My disease and dialysis have taken a toll on me physically and mentally, and I am no longer able to work.
My wife Angelia and I have been married for 18 years, and she is my rock and my greatest support. I have a 28-year-old son and a 34-year-old daughter, and they have given me seven wonderful grandchildren! Sadly, due to my kidney issues I have not been able to travel to see them since they live in Oregon, and I live in Florida.
Being highly active was always a part of my life, whether playing football in high school or traveling to talent shows doing break dancing performances. I worked hard preparing myself for boot camp, so I would be ready for whatever came my way. This disease has been hard and unrelenting. Spending time with my wife and getting to the gun range to shoot targets occasionally helps to keep me going. Looking forward to traveling to visit my kids and grandkids and hopefully some of my service brothers, is what helps me keep moving. The gift of a kidney transplant and the new lease on life it brings would be a tremendous blessing to me and my family!
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 Terry’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