HAMPTON, N.C. (WECT) - The Health Resources & Services Administration reports that each day, approximately one out of every 17 individuals passes away while awaiting an organ transplant, with more than 100 thousand people currently listed on the national waiting list.
A single individual named Elliott Roberts from Hampstead has made it onto the waiting list for a kidney.
“An average kidney is roughly the size of your clenched hand,” explained Roberts. “In my case, cysts develop throughout the organ. Over the past several years, I've experienced a number of these cysts bursting, which is extremely painful. Nurses have told me they’d prefer to go through childbirth once more instead of enduring another ruptured cyst.”
Seven years ago, Roberts discovered that he had inherited kidney disease.
He mentioned that his grandfather possessed it, followed by his father, his uncle, his aunt, and finally himself.
Over time, this has become more severe to the extent that his kidney is now operating at just 19 percent functionality. For comparison, an average teenager’s kidneys function above 100 percent.
"Typically, individuals start dialysis around age 10," stated Roberts.
He requires a transplant, and typically someone with his B+ blood type waits around five to seven years for a kidney, but he's attempting to expedite this process.
"Whatever route I can use to spread the message, I must pursue," stated Roberts.
That's why, he leveraged his role as an Uber driver and put up a sign on his rear windshield in big letters saying "NEED KIDNEY, B+ BLOOD" along with his contact number.
Roberts mentions that numerous individuals have snapped photos of his vehicle and shared them on the internet.
"You begin to believe that no one will truly care after hearing so much, but once you share such information, you realize people do rise to the occasion and demonstrate that despite having no clue who you are or ever meeting you, they genuinely care about others," he stated.
Despite all the support he has received, he is still awaiting a donor and wishes it would happen soon.
"It’s something you need to assist with your living," stated Roberts.
Should you potentially be a fit, feel free to contact Roberts at 910-599-6077. Alternatively, you can explore his webpage by following the link provided. here.
You can contribute to Robert if your blood type is B+, B-, O+, or O-.