MEMPHIS, Tenn. — According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 116,000 people in the U.S are on the waiting list for an organ donation. Of that number, 85% are waiting for a new kidney.
One DeSoto County man says he learned his new kidney was closer than he thought.
Jessie Medlin and Amy Miller have a unique bond.
“I never thought a little girl running around in a grocery store would save my life one day,” said Medlin.
Everywhere he goes, he carries a piece of her — literally.
“I feel great that I changed his life and gave him life back to spend with the grandkids,” Miller said.
Several years ago, Medlin was diagnosed with stage four kidney disease, and his condition grew worse over time. In 2023, his doctor recommended Peritoneal Dialysis, which is a home-based dialysis treatment.
“You hook up to a machine, and you got a tube in your stomach. The doctor said that would be easier on my body,” said Medlin.
Even though Medlin wanted a new kidney, he says he accepted that he might be on dialysis for the next few years.
“They told me if I waited on a deceased’s kidney, I’d probably be two to five years,” Medlin said.
However, a conversation at a Christmas party changed everything.
“‘Are you going to try to get a transplant?’ I said, ‘I’m going to try to get one if I can get on the list.’ And she said, “Well, I was going to try to give one to somebody before, and I’d be willing to donate you one.’ I said, ‘I’ll take it,'” Medlin explained.
Miller says she’s known Medlin and his family since she was a little girl. After several tests, it was determined that Miller and Medlin were a perfect match.
Fourteen months after being put on dialysis, Medlin received his new kidney.
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“She is the hero. She is the angel,” said Medlin.
Miller is a volunteer firefighter with the Fairhaven Fire Department in Olive Branch and a Dialysis Technician for Fresenius Kidney Care. She says after years of working in dialysis, she knew she wanted to be a living kidney donor.
“You just see the life you know being attached to a machine all the time, and it kind of runs your life,” she said.
Miller says she encourages others to consider being a donor if possible.
“Don’t hesitate to do it. I mean, you could change a person’s life,” said Miller.
