Sumter man searching for living kidney donor

Denny Stevens, a local Sumter man who is originally from Lucknow, needs your help.

Stevens needs a kidney transplant and is willing to take on any possible donors.

"A transplant would offer me more freedom and the ability to live a long-term healthier, more normal life," Stevens said. "A transplant would also give me more time to do the fun things I enjoy most, like spending time with my family and friends."

Back in 2016, Stevens got on the transplant list but was taken off because of heart issues. Stevens is now back on the list, but the problem is, so are about 95,000 other people.

That's why Stevens would rather have a living donor.

"A living donor is better for the time frame," Stevens' wife, Brandy Stevens, said. "The minimum is three to five years for a non-living donor."

Denny and Brandy Stevens know it can be hard to decide whether you want to donate a kidney.

"Asking a family member or a friend to consider donating a kidney to me is difficult, but it greatly improves my chances of getting a transplant," Denny Stevens said. "A living kidney donation typically lasts longer and has better function."

Denny Stevens can also do what's called a paired exchange through the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

"It guarantees Denny a kidney from a living donor if the kidney went to someone else because it wasn't a direct match," Brandy Stevens said.

So basically, if you pair up with someone who isn't a direct match (compatible blood type) and find another pair that's also not a direct match but would be a match with you, you can swap partners so both parties get kidney donors who are direct matches.

But for now, Denny Stevens must be on dialysis for nine hours per night, seven days per week.

"The dialysis is draining, and his immune system is compromised," Brandy Stevens said. "You just have to watch them live the best quality of life they can, which is not much."

Denny Stevens wants those considering donating to know some important information.

"You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life," he said. "Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions; the recuperation period is usually fairly quick, generally two weeks; the cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by my insurance, and the hospitals can give you extensive information on this; you will have a separate team of health care professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for your best interests."

Denny Stevens wants anyone who is interested in donating to call (843) 792-1594. Those interested can also check out kidney4dennystevens.com or visit the "Help Denny Stevens find a Living Kidney Donor" Facebook page.

"If donating a kidney to me is something you would like to consider, I would be happy to tell you more about my story and explore the process of determining if you are a match for me," Denny Stevens said. "However, I know living donation may not be right for everyone, but you can still help. Consider being an organ donor after death, and also help me by sharing my story with everyone you know.

"At the very least, I want to bring awareness to kidney disease and living donation," he said. "I am hopeful my efforts will help me receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider helping the many people on the waiting list."

"If you can't help by donating, prayers are definitely necessary," Brandy Stevens said.