STORY SUMMARY
Organ transplants have the power to save lives, yet people die daily waiting for help that arrives too late. Tonight, a Largo father of four, Luron Roberts, urgently needs a living kidney donor as he battles kidney disease. Diagnosed in 2019, Roberts undergoes nine hours of dialysis nightly after his kidneys failed last year. His story echoes that of his former colleague, Casey Mc, the Largo Public Library director, who received a life-saving kidney transplant in March after sharing her story. Tampa General Hospital warns that one in seven U.S. adults suffers from chronic kidney disease, underscoring the dire need for more donors. Roberts hopes to find a donor soon, aiming to witness his children grow into adulthood.
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[Urgent appeals for kidney donors in Largo have highlighted the struggle of lauron Roberts, a waste management worker in need of a life-saving transplant. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2019, Roberts now endures nightly nine-hour dialysis sessions after his kidneys failed last year. With an average lifespan of five years for those on dialysis, Roberts, entering his second year, feels the pressure, especially as a father of four young children. He hopes sharing his story will lead to a generous donor willing to give him a chance to watch his children grow up.
Roberts’ situation echoes that of Casey McWhirt, director of the Largo Public Library, who faced similar challenges with kidney failure. After sharing her story, McWhirt received a life-changing call from a donor who wished to remain anonymous. She underwent successful surgery at Tampa General Hospital on March 12th, and her new kidney began functioning immediately, offering her hope for a longer, healthier life. Her experience has been a beacon of hope for Roberts, renewing his faith in finding a donor.
Statistics from Tampa General Hospital emphasize the severity of kidney diseases, with one in seven adults in the United States affected. For individuals like Roberts, the search for donors is crucial. His story underscores the critical need for awareness and action to support those battling chronic kidney conditions. As Roberts continues his appeal, the hope is that awareness will lead to more people becoming living kidney donors, potentially saving numerous lives.
