Youngstown resident Lesean Taylor, together with her husband, both graduates of South High, are raising awareness about kidney disease and organ donation through their personal experience. Diagnosed with kidney disease in need of a transplant, Lesean Taylor’s life was dramatically changed when her husband donated his kidney in a paired kidney exchange. His selfless decision benefited not only his wife but also seven other people.
The Taylors are sharing their journey to educate and support those dealing with kidney-related health issues. Lesean detailed her experience in her newly released book, “Are You Kidney Me,” emphasizing both her struggle with kidney disease and the strength found in faith and family support.
The couple also founded the advocacy to increase minority participation in organ donation. Half a dozen individuals benefited directly from this single kidney exchange. Despite representing potential donors and matches, minorities in Youngstown and across Ohio participate in organ donation at significantly lower rates compared to other racial groups. Only 1 in 6 organ donations come from minority groups in Ohio, highlighting a critical need for increased awareness.
Lesean Taylor urges people, especially minorities, to register as organ donors during license renewals. She emphasizes that although kidneys can be matched across racial groups, matches are often better within the same ethnicity.
Lesean has documented her journey and the emotional impact of kidney disease in her book, “Are You Kidney Me,” available online and in bookstores, just ahead of Kidney Awareness Month.
