Originally born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, my life was nothing short of a normal childhood. At the age of 12, I was attending Inman Middle school and earned the position of starting quarterback on the football team, and I also ran track. I played baseball as well as being a member of the honor society.
My seventh-grade year was coming to an end; I was attending school on what I thought would be a regular day. Nearing the middle of the day, I abruptly fainted in the middle of class. My mother rushed me to the urgent care facility, and there is where I first faced a diagnosis of end-stage renal failure (chronic kidney disease). I was immediately placed on kidney dialysis and had to wake up at 4 AM, before school, for three months to attend appointments three times a week. A dialysis regime was not the most manageable schedule to adjust to in the eighth grade, but my life depended on it.
Fortunately, after four months on dialysis, I received a life-saving call for a kidney transplant. The life-saving deceased donor afforded me several opportunities, such as starting our non-profit organization, Kyle's Kids Foundation. I became a Make-A-Wish Foundation recipient, along with having my wish granted of meeting President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. I went on to defy the odds as I graduated high school within the top 10% of my class in May 2014. I received admission to my family's alma mater, Morehouse College, and began my matriculation in August 2014. I participated in the Student Government Association and became an advocate for disabled students within my first two years at the institution.
However, towards the end of my sophomore year, the transplanted kidney, unfortunately, failed due to scarring from my immunosuppressive medication. I was devastated by getting the news that I had to begin dialysis again. With the news coming so unexpectedly, I strongly contemplated quitting school; but I persisted. I was attending dialysis treatments once again three times a week; however, this time, I did the late shift. The nocturnal dialysis shift allowed me to go to school and work during the day and dialyze by night. Instead of 3 & 1/2 hours as I had done when I was 12, I now had to do 6 hours to persevere the condition of my heart. This battle was different this time around, but I was ready for the fight.
While on dialysis and completing my post-secondary studies, I was able to secure a full-time offer from SunTrust Banks, Inc. Juggling dialysis, my full-time internship, and education, I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Finance with an English minor from Morehouse College in May of 2019. I was fortunate enough to be apart of the class that received full loan forgiveness from Robert F Smith. Dr. Smith's generous gift motivated me to want to give back. I doubled down on my non-profit organization's commitment. Still, on dialysis, I began my full-time position at Suntrust Bank in July 2019, along with pushing the vision and mission of Kyle's Kids Foundation.
The year 2020 began, and this would've made my third year on dialysis. I was hopeful for the future. I've always been grounded in my faith to know if I made it this far, I'd be just fine. Fortunately, on February 28th, 2020, I received the call for my second kidney transplant. I had a successful surgery, and I am currently recovering.
My goal is the same as it's always been. I want to help and inspire others, specifically the children, that may be going through a similar plight. I am grateful to every volunteer, advocate, and donation given to Kyle's Kids over the years. We are nine years strong, and we have a wide variety of projects and events in the works. I hope you will join the challenge with us.
