A rare feat: Richmond organ donor returns for second time

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond resident Christopher Woody is preparing for another major surgery.

In 2013, Woody donated one of his kidneys to save his family’s life.

“My cousin was 13 at the time,” Woody said. “He needed a kidney, and even though I had older family members and older aunts and uncles, I was the only fit throughout the whole process.”

After donating his kidney, Woody decided to donate his liver as well. As director of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), he recognizes that need.

Ironically, after being turned down twice, Woody was finally approved to donate 60% of his liver, saving two lives. He joins an exclusive list of only 190 people nationwide who have become dual organ donors since April 1994.

UNOS employee Ann Paske said Woody’s ability to give back was admirable.

“Christopher has a tremendous impact on the community because he is willing to tell his story and let others know that it is possible to become a living kidney donor. Because we do,” Paske said.

Radio One personality and long-time friend Clovia Lawrence agreed, saying Woody’s actions would affect many people in the community.

“This also presents an opportunity for all of us, especially black people. When you’re fit and healthy, you want to put your life forward for others,” Lawrence said. “This means you don’t have to wait until you’re dead for a transplant; you can do it now as a living donor.”

Woody said he hopes the joy he finds in giving back is enough to inspire others to do the same.

“It’s not good for the weak to go under the knife again,” Woody said. “But if it’s something you want to do, like I say, talk to your person. [doctor], talk to your family and make sure you have a strong support team that wants to support you throughout the process. ”

Woody’s surgery is scheduled for March 28th in Pittsburgh, and the next step in his donation journey will be to donate bone marrow.