In the heart of Largo, Florida, Luron Roberts, a dedicated solid waste driver, stands at a crossroads. For more than a decade, Luron has been a familiar face around the community, diligently clearing debris and helping residents recover after hurricanes. Now, Luron faces a personal storm—one that threatens his life and time with his family—as he battles kidney failure, diagnosed in 2019.
Transitioning from home dialysis to in-center treatment, Luron endures grueling four-hour sessions three times a week. The relentless procedure, spanning merely hours, attempts to do what takes a healthy kidney two days. Yet, Luron continues working, driven by a desire to support his family and witness his children’s milestones—particularly the graduation of his youngest, now 11.
Living on borrowed time, Luron shares somber insights learned from doctors: life expectancy on dialysis averages five years. Luron, currently in his second year, feels a looming deadline. With little time remaining, he turns to his community, not just for a kidney but for survival, urging those with two healthy kidneys to consider the life-altering gift of organ donation. Such a gesture could promise Luron an additional 20 years—a precious opportunity to be an integral part of his children’s lives.
While the quest for a kidney donation is immediate, numerous avenues exist to support Luron during this turbulent period. Contributions can be made to his GoFundMe campaign, detailed on the Tampa Bay app, offering the community a chance to assist beyond organ donation. Luron’s story isn’t just about seeking help; it’s a message underscoring the value of community support, collective humanity, and, most crucially, hope.
