First published 2024-11-12 23:11:26
Candace Stevens, a resilient figure in the landscape of organ transplantation advocacy, has transformed her personal battle with type 1 diabetes into a beacon of hope for others. Diagnosed at just seven years old, Stevens faced a long and arduous medical journey. By 2016, her health had severely deteriorated, leaving her in dire need of a kidney and pancreas transplant to combat stage three chronic kidney disease. Her husband became her first lifesaver by donating a kidney, and two years later, a deceased donor provided her with a pancreas, giving Stevens a new lease on life.
Now driven by her transformative experiences, Stevens has founded ‘The Day After Foundation,’ a nonprofit with a mission to assist and empower other transplant patients. The organization is dedicated to educating the public on organ donation and providing support to both pre and post-transplant individuals. Stevens emphasizes the importance of awareness and the availability of resources, highlighting the challenge of accessing vital information during her own health crisis.
To further her mission, Stevens is launching a new website aimed at supporting transplant patients at every stage of their journey. Scheduled for a grand unveiling at a launch party at the Serenity Entertainment Complex, this platform will serve as a comprehensive resource for those navigating the often daunting transplantation process. With over 100,000 people nationwide awaiting life-saving transplants, Stevens’ initiative seeks to provide hope, support, and crucial information to those in need, reinforcing the life-changing potential of organ donation.