Community Corner
Man's 'Kidney' Sign At Bears Game Sparks 'Overwhelming' Response
Here's how to help the Indiana man and the more than 80,000 others in need of a kidney transplant.
CHICAGO, IL — Less than two weeks after a photo of a Jeffersonville, Indiana, man's "I need a kidney" sign at a Bears home game was posted to social media, there's been an overwhelming response from those wanting to be tested to see if they're a match. According to Jessica Jenkins, a fan who posted the photo of Marcus Edwards and his sign during the Nov. 10 game at Soldier Field, the Living Donor Program has received around 20 times the number of intake calls for testing than it does on average for a single person.
Jenkins wrote the update Wednesday on her Facebook page below the photo of Edwards. Jenkins added that the increase in calls has taken place since she last provided a social media update Friday, Nov. 15.
Related: 'I Need A Kidney:' Indiana Man's Bears Game Sign Prompts Search
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"On average a single person has around 20 people call in," Jenkins wrote. "This is because of your response and action to help change the life of Marcus and now others on the transplant list."
Jenkins added that the organization said the likelihood of Edwards receiving a kidney is "almost definite."
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"You've all made this possible by sharing, donating, calling, and taking action," Jenkins said.
Edwards is in desperate need of a kidney transplant after receiving devastating news June 1 that he was experiencing acute kidney failure, according to the GoFundMe page created for Edwards by Jenkins.
>> Testing process information
Edwards' blood type is O-positive, and those interested in helping can be tested at a site close to home, according to Edwards. If you aren't O-positive, Jenkins and Edwards still encourage you to get tested.
To help, contact the Living Donor Program at 859-323-2467, and tell the transplant coordinator you're calling on behalf of Marcus Edwards of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Jenkins encourages those interested in being tested to "please remember that even if you aren’t a match for Marcus with his blood type, and if you’re willing, you can call in to the Living Donor Program" to help one of more than 80,000 people waiting for a new kidney.
Jenkins said that if you can help in any other way, please message her on Facebook or send a message through the GoFundMe page.
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