One of our primary focuses at work is our Sunbelt Cares initiative through which we support causes in our communities. This time, it’s a cause that’s right in our work community, for one of our very own. On today’s blog, we’re introducing you to Wayne Bridges, a Sunbelt National Account Executive, who is currently fighting a very tough battle.
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For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Wayne Bridges and I have worked the last 8 ½ years for the greatest company ever, Sunbelt Staffing in Tampa, FL (Shameless plug, I know). Four years ago, I received a new kidney from my wife after 6 months of being on dialysis. After 3 years of a healthy lifestyle my body began to reject my new kidney and I’ve been fighting that battle for the last 10 months. I have recently restarted dialysis and I am going through the process to be approved for another transplant. I share this story with you because I want to bring awareness to the shortage of donor organs in the U.S. 
Did you know?
- It is estimated that nearly 30,000 patients began new lives in 2015 thanks to organ transplants (from 8,500 deceased and 6,000 living donors)
- About 58% of patients awaiting lifesaving transplants are minorities
- There are approximately 120,000 people waiting for an organ transplant
- Another person is added to the nation’s organ transplant waiting list every 10 minutes
- Sadly, 8,000 people die each year – 22 people each day – because the organs they need are not donated in time.
- The average wait time for a kidney transplant is 3-5 years
So what can be done about the shortage? I’m glad you asked. I know something like this is a very personal decision but if you feel like this is something you can and want to support, here are a few paths to consider.
- Financially support organ transplant research, www.donatelife.com and the United Network for Organ Sharing www.unos.com
- Sign up to be an organ donor with your local DMV and UNOS at https://www.unos.org/donation/register-to-be-an-organ-donor/
- Consider being a living donor, https://www.unos.org/donation/living-donation/ . There is a direct and indirect path to living donation.
I am just one of many people that are in need of a lifesaving transplant. I have always said and believe there are people around me that are in greater need than myself and that is why I chose to be a voice for those in need like me. I know from experience that I am not alone and will face whatever comes my way with the love and support of family, friends and my Sunbelt family. I hope you will consider supporting organ donation and anyone that this affects.
Thank you so much for reading this post.
#Determined
