For years, Tracy McCarty has served the community in various capacities and served his customers fantastic food at The Garage Food & Drinks in Quitman.
While he is typically reserved and only focused on assisting those around him, he now needs a little assistance from the community to help find a living donor for a kidney. He has handled a kidney disease without issue for a few years, but he now has to look at getting a kidney transplant at some point. Although he is on the transplant list, finding a living donor is another option that could work better timewise.
“Ten years ago, I was having an issue, so they checked my kidneys. They said my levels were higher than normal but it shouldn’t affect me too much. I have what’s called Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). When we got ready to have the Muscadine Music Festival last year, I got sick and had to cancel the event. When I went to the emergency room, they told me my kidney function was at 11 percent and told me all this stuff I’m going to have to do. When I was admitted to the hospital, they informed me that I would need a kidney transplant soon.” explained Tracy. “I went to UAB. Right now, as far as healthwise, I don’t have any problems other than my legs starting to swell. When I went to UAB, they put me on the transplant list after I did all the cardio and stuff. They put me on the transplant list about two months ago, but we’re also working on getting on the list in other places, too. They said the average time on that waiting list is five to eight years, which is a long time. I’m hoping either I can stay healthy that long or I can get a donor before then. A living donor is probably the best way to go, but that’s kind of slim, too.”
So far, family members and a few others have gone through the process to see if they are a match to donate.
He would really appreciate the assistance of anyone who may be willing to donate one of their kidneys to him. Anyone interested in being a donor will need to know their blood type and cannot have a history of high blood pressure, illness, or drug or alcohol abuse.
To be tested to be a donor, contact the Living Donor Coordinator at UAB at 883-822-2841 or visit the website at uabmedicine.org/donateakidney to find out what process needs to take place to see if you’re a match. There will also be flyers posted around town with a QR code to access that information. Contact UAB to see if you may be a match today.
