Last month, we told you that former Newswatch 16 reporter Allen Vickers received a kidney transplant and introduced you to his donor and friend Cody.
Union County, Pennsylvania — 3 years ago world kidney day, Former Newswatch 16 reporter Allen Vickers learned he had kidney failure.
Fast forward to today, and Allen is on a Zoom call with donor and friend Cody Leibowitz to discuss his recent kidney surgery.
“All the thoughts were running through my head: ‘Will the surgery work?’ ‘Will the kidney survive?’ ‘Did someone steal the kidney?’ All the thoughts were running through my head. “I did,” Allen said.
Kody and Allen have been friends for 10 years. The two met at a television station in Maryland, where they both worked. Cody applied to become Allen’s kidney donor in late 2022 and found out a few months later that he was a match. His surgery took place on February 13th in Sacramento, California.
“My energy is back,” Cody said. “The pain has decreased day by day.”
After the surgery, Kody’s kidney was taken to New York’s LaGuardia Airport and then flown to Philadelphia. Allen’s surgery took place on February 14th.
“The surgery was successful,” Allen said. “In fact, Kody’s kidneys started working right away, which was great news because if his kidneys need to be restarted, he may have to continue dialysis.”
Allen says Kody’s selfless donation saved his life.
“Having him around and making sure everything goes well means everything. He means everything. He’s like a brother at this point.”
But Cody says it was an easy decision.
“I really value that friendship, and I know his family and his other friends really feel the same way. I’m in the position I’m in now, healthy and able to donate. I was so lucky.”
This World Kidney Day, Cody encourages potential donors to think about why.
“If you can donate, if you’re healthy enough to donate, please donate. If you can’t, that’s okay. You can still make a difference in someone’s life by being there for them and advocating for them. and by helping them through this process.”
Allen is on a mission to educate people about kidney disease. He does this through his podcast “Vital Connections.”
“It’s scary,” Allen said. “It’s invisible and it has a big impact on you. It affects you, your family, your friends, your diet, your ability to do certain things.”
Allen is still recovering and has a long road ahead of him. He sees his doctor twice a week to check if his kidneys are functioning properly.
Allen plans to visit Cody, California as soon as he is cleared to travel.
Watch the full interview with Allen and Cody on WNEP’s YouTube channel.
