LaMont and LifeCenter Northwest: Facilitating the Miracle of Organ Donation
When LaMont Williams was just 29, he was hit with a startling diagnosis: kidney disease. Two years later and with a baby on the way, he was on dialysis, fighting for the future of not just himself, his wife Felicia Williams and their family. Through the miracle of a kidney transplant, the couple’s first child was born just 24 hours after Lamont’s surgery. His story is one of resilience, family, and faith, but also a reminder of the true impact organ donation has on all involved. Thanks to the work of organizations like LifeCenter Northwest, which partners with hospitals, transplant centers, and donor families to ensure donated organs get to patients in need, lives like Lamont’s are saved every day.
For LaMont, forming a habit of routine blood tests from a young age ultimately saved his life. As his case proves, early detection of kidney disease is crucial for effective management. Dr. Andrew Brockenbrough, a nephrologist at Valley Medical Center in Renton, highlighted that "most people don't have any symptoms until they've lost most of their kidney function." This underscores the importance of regular check-ups with a primary care physician, including blood pressure monitoring and blood tests, for early diagnosis.
Dr. Brockenbrough noted that certain populations are at a higher risk: "African-Americans have a much higher risk of developing kidney disease than the average person,” explaining that about one in three African-Americans has a kidney problem. Kidney disease is a significant health concern in the United States, affecting approximately 37 million Americans. Alarmingly, Dr. Brockenbrough stated that about 50% of them don't know that they actually have kidney disease.”
With the demand for donating organs remains leagues beyond the supply, Dr. Brockenbrough emphasized the vital role of organ donation, particularly within underrepresented communities, as it can provide "genetically well matched" organs to those on the transplant waiting list. He urged, "Please consider donating your kidneys and being on the organ transplant waiting list. It makes a world of difference to my patients."
It is inspiring stories like LaMont’s that fuel LifeCenter Northwest, a non-profit organ procurement organization dedicated to saving lives by supporting and facilitating the organ donation process. The organization's CEO and President, Santokh Gill, emphasized the critical nature of their work by stating that waiting patients "have exhausted every medical treatment that's available and without an organ transplant, they will not live a full life."
A crucial aspect of organ donation is the need for a diverse donor pool. Gill explains that having a diverse donor pool helps with that matching process because they want to give every person, regardless of race and ethnicity who's waiting, an equal chance at getting a transplant. One person has the power to save eight lives through organ donation, and most organ donors will save at least two to four lives, Gill said. He encouraged everyone to learn more about donation and consider the legacy they wish to leave.
While an organ donation has the power to save a life, like LaMont’s, it is just as much about restoring moments, families, and legacies. Thanks to the selflessness of a living donor, LaMont was given the gift of time—time to follow his passions like pastoring, fathering, and inspiring others. As LifeCenter Northwest reminds us, one person has the power to save up to eight lives. So, if you’ve ever thought about being an organ donor, let Lamont’s story be a reminder that your choice could be the miracle someone is waiting for.
Registering to become an organ donor is easy. Individuals can register when obtaining or renewing their driver's license or anytime online at RegisterMe.org. Learn more about LifeCenter and simple steps that can save lives at lcnw.org
