Madison Man Still Searching for Kidney Donor

His email address is: johnson2jr@hotmail.com

Recently, Johnson reached out again to provide an update on his health and his ongoing quest for a suitable kidney donor.

He shared that following the initial news coverage, he received numerous emails from individuals who expressed a willingness to donate their kidneys or, at the very least, offered their sympathy and support.

Johnson revealed that he had come remarkably close to finding a matching donor. “I came close,” he said. “I had one donor who was very close to being able to donate to me, but unfortunately, one test disqualified him from being eligible.”

He diligently pursued every lead and followed up with everyone who expressed interest in helping, even though several potential donors did not meet the necessary health criteria or were not suitable matches for various reasons.

Johnson expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the challenging process potential donors must go through to become eligible. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful that he will eventually find a kidney donor.

Time is of the essence for Johnson, who is not only battling health issues but is also a husband and father to two young children. He emphasized the toll this ordeal has taken on him, his family, and his loved ones.

His health began to deteriorate in 2020 when he faced a dual health crisis involving both COVID-19 and the flu. Following that ordeal, his kidney function began to decline, ultimately resulting in end-stage renal failure or kidney failure.

For Johnson, a kidney transplant represents the best chance of regaining a semblance of normalcy in his life. Until a suitable donor is found and the transplant takes place, he must endure a demanding regimen of hemodialysis three times a week, a process that leaves him physically exhausted due to its lengthy duration.

In addition to dialysis, he is required to adhere to a strict diet, closely monitoring his food and fluid intake. His daily fluid intake is limited to a mere 32 ounces, equivalent to two standard-sized water bottles.

A kidney transplant would not only be life-saving but also life-transforming for Johnny Johnson Jr. It would enable him to resume his pursuits, rejoin the workforce, be more active, regain his energy, and ultimately take better care of his overall health.

Johnson is currently on the kidney transplant waiting list at UAB in Birmingham, Vanderbilt in Nashville, and has recently been added to the list at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. He strategically selected these locations for their proximity to his home in Madison.

While he acknowledges that he is getting closer to receiving a kidney from a deceased donor off the waiting list, he emphasizes that the longevity of a transplanted kidney from a living donor is greater. Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude for either option.

As Johnny Johnson Jr. approaches his upcoming birthday, he anticipates spending it undergoing three to four hours of treatment. His greatest birthday wish is to receive new leads on a potential kidney donor.

For those interested in learning more about the kidney donation process or how to assist Johnny Johnson Jr., he encourages contacting him via email at johnson2jr@hotmail.com.

Reflecting on his journey, Johnson stresses the importance of spreading the word and reaching out for help. Initially hesitant to share his story, he realized the necessity of raising awareness and letting people know that he needs assistance in this critical time.