Monday Morning Boost: Let’s Help Boyd Cook Find A Kidney
Boyd Cook has been a constant presence in my life since I was a young teenager. He was one of my young men leaders and a home teacher to my family. He continuously ministered to both of my parents, even after they divorced, until they finished their journey.
Since then, and though we live hours apart, Boyd has continued to be part of my life as a friend, a mentor, and a confidant. He has been there for me, and with me, through thick and thin, and has shown me what true friendship and love look like.
Some of my most enjoyable moments with Boyd have been when visiting our hometown church congregation. We would often ditch Sunday School so we could visit longer. Some of my most favorite conversations ever!
Two of the most significant moments in our friendship were when my father passed away and when my brother Shane was killed by su;c;de. These moments were devastating times as I was struggling to cope with the loss. Boyd was there for me every step of the way, offering a shoulder to cry on, and providing emotional support that helped me through one of the darkest periods of my life.
When I recently learned that Boyd is in desperate need of a kidney transplant, it was like a punch to the gut. When I called to check in on him, his focus was more on how my family and I are doing. That’s Boyd, taking the hard in stride and approaching it with the same grace and positivity that he approaches everything in life.
As Boyd goes through the process of finding a kidney donor, I’m doing what I can to support him. I’m spreading the word about his situation, and encouraging people to get tested to see if they’re a match.
Living kidney donation is the best option for a transplant – the wait time is shorter, and the chances of finding a close match are better.
While there is hope a close family member may be a good match, it is possible a non-relative could be a better match.
The National Kidney Registry has set up a specific web page for Boyd to share his story as well as some helpful resources. If you or someone you know have considered being a living donor and think you’d like to be tested or look into this further, click the link to find out more and complete a simple medical questionnaire.
NATIONAL KIDNEY REGISTRY
https://nkr.org/EEQ479
Through it all, my love for Boyd has only grown stronger. He continues to be an essential part of my life and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared together. His unwavering kindness, his unending positivity, and his unbreakable spirit have inspired me in countless ways, and I know that he’ll continue to inspire me for many years to come.
Another friend is also walking this journey. Justin Williams (aka the Rock God) returned home this past week after being a living kidney donor for his brother Shaun. That’s the two of them pictured together wearing their “Kidney Buddies For Life” t-shirts.
If you have felt something from reading this Monday Morning Boost, I invite you to do something. Here is a simple Power of Three action plan.
- Share this post.
- Click the link to read more about Boyd and his journey.
- Consider being a living kidney donor by filling out the questionnaire.
Have a beautiful Monday! I love you, friends!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to read more about my brother Boyd Cook.
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