A Kidney for Reuben
Reuben Southall Jr. is a husband, father of three children and grandfather of three. He has been married to his wife Sherry for 35 years. He is active as a deacon in his Church of Christ congregation and has a strong connection to his church family. He retired from VCU Health after 30 years of service.
Reuben received a kidney transplant from a living donor in July of 2019. Unfortunately, a virus has damaged his transplanted kidney to the point where he needs another transplant and is back on hemodialysis. VCU Health has encouraged Reuben to find a living donor because his blood type takes 5 to 7 years to match from the waitlist.
“I have been blessed by God to enjoy a transplanted kidney donated by a man of honor and integrity for almost 7 years. I am continuously in a spirit of thanksgiving that someone had the love and compassion to give the gift of life to me. Though I am saddened and concerned by the failure of my transplanted kidney, I remain hopeful and confident that my work on earth is not done, and a way will be found for me to continue my life’s mission: to fear God and keep His commandments. Regardless of the outcome of my quest to find a living donor, I have God’s word and those who have love and sympathy for me to comfort and aid me through any challenge of this life.” Reuben Southall Jr.
HOW CAN YOU HELP REUBEN?
Consider being a living donor.
Even if you are not a match for Reuben, if you are willing to be a donor, the VCU Health Hume-Lee Transplant Center will be able to find him a match via a paired donation.
Living donation does not change life expectancy for the donor, who can continue to lead a normal life after recovery from the surgery. Studies have shown that one kidney is enough to keep the body healthy by removing waste and excess fluid from the blood.
About living kidney donors
CLICK HERE for information about the Living Kidney Donation process.
How to get medically cleared
CLICK HERE to take the assessment.