TRENTON, New Jersey – In honor of National Donate Life Month and the 50th anniversary of the Gift of Life Donor Program, a local school administrator waiting for a life-saving organ donation received a surprise visit from hip-hop artist Freeway. Phillip Davis, who has been on dialysis for the past four years while waiting for a kidney donation, was surprised by the unexpected guest while speaking with students at Paul Robeson Charter School. Freeway, who himself waited four years for a kidney transplant, shared his experience with Davis, offering love and encouragement.
According to the Gift of Life Donor Program, there are currently over 8,600 people on the kidney waitlist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The program also revealed that Black individuals make up 41% of the region’s kidney transplant waitlist, despite only comprising 13% of the organization’s local region. To raise awareness and support for organ donation, the Donor Dash event will be held this Sunday at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, featuring 10k and 5k runs and walks.
The surprise visit from Freeway not only celebrated decades of life-saving organ donations but also provided Davis with the encouragement he needed. Overwhelmed by meeting his idol, Davis shared his original song called “Gift of Life” with Freeway and the school audience, highlighting the importance of sharing hope and support. Freeway expressed admiration for Davis, describing him as an “amazing brother” with a good heart, and expressed his hope that Davis will receive a kidney soon.
