Leeds, Ala. (WBMA) – Along a busy road in Leeds, one sign stood out, not for what it advertised, but for what it is requesting. The sign is a plea for a kidney from 67-year-old Ralph “Glenn” Isenhower, who is fighting to stay alive.
After learning that none of his immediate family members were eligible donors, Isenhower brought his search to the community, hoping his message would reach a potential match.
“My immediate family were not a candidate,” Isenhower said. “So I needed to bring awareness to the community to let them know that I needed a kidney soon,” said Glenn Isenhower.
Isenhower placed more than 100 signs and distributed approximately 600 cards while undergoing home dialysis for nine hours each night for more than 18 months. However, the treatment is no longer adequately cleaning his kidneys. As a result, he is preparing to transition to in-clinic dialysis three days per week for four hours at a time.
The change is expected to place additional strain on his body and significantly alter his daily routine.
“It was going to put more stress on my body,” Isenhower said. “With home dialysis, I did it at night while I slept. In-clinic dialysis would take time away from my day.”
Isenhower is listed for a kidney transplant at three different hospitals, but his experience reflected a broader national and statewide issue. More than 100,000 people across the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant, and 1,200 live in Alabama. Nationally, an estimated 12 to 13 people die each day while waiting for an available organ.
Martrece Bell, an ambassador for Legacy of Hope Organ Donation Bank whose husband previously received an organ transplant, said public mistrust remained one of the largest obstacles to organ donation in Alabama.
“The state truly struggled with people becoming donors,” Bell said. “Many people did not trust the system and believed doctors would not try to save their lives.”
As Isenhower continues to wait, the emotional impact is felt deeply by his family. His wife, Nelda Isenhower, said watching his health decline has been difficult.
“Its a challenge watching him go through this,” she said. “His life changed. He always enjoyed spending time with his family, and there were things he could no longer do. You want that kidney so badly for him.”
Isenhower acknowledged that donating a kidney is a serious and personal decision. However, he emphasized that modern transplant procedures are often minimally invasive, recovery times are relatively short, and donor medical expenses are covered by insurance.
As Isenhower’s signs remain posted throughout Leeds, Isenhower hopes someone sees them and responds. For more information on Glenn’s journey and how you can help, visit his website at: https://rgikidney.my.canva.site/
