Doylestown man takes search for kidney to billboards: 'If I give up, it's over'

Don Brown's face has appeared on dozens of billboards — on SEPTA platforms, above major highways in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and looking down on Times Square in New York City.

Each advertisement carrying the same short plea: “I need a kidney. Can you help?”

But despite the countless people who have encountered his ads, Brown’s wish for a kidney donor has yet to be fulfilled.

“It’s a roller coaster. I need a new kidney because sooner or later I’m going to need dialysis,” said Brown, who has stage five kidney disease.

Brown, a 74-year-old retired engineer from Doylestown Township, began his campaign for a living kidney donor in the fall, starting with a website where he shares his story.

The site answers questions about the screening process, surgery, recovery time and insurance. It also aims to dispel misconceptions about kidney donation.

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Brown said a common concern is, “I don’t want to donate my kidney to a stranger, my family might need my kidney in the future,” an issue addressed by Family Voucher Program, available through the National Kidney Registry.

Five family members of the donor receive vouchers that can be activated if one ever needs a kidney.

To educate and find a donor, Brown needed to drive more people to his website, hence the billboards — more than 80, with the first few going up on Nov. 18 in Mercer County, New Jersey.

So far, his campaign has generated roughly 200 donor offers, but none have qualified. After having one of his kidneys removed in January due to a non-cancerous Bozniak cyst, Brown said his need is even more critical.

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There are others working to build more awareness, including Ned Brooks, founder of the National Kidney Donation Organization.

As a kidney donor himself, Brooks started the nonprofit to mentor potential donors with the goal of helping people like Brown maximize their chances of receiving a kidney. This year alone, the organization has facilitated over 500 transplants.

“I was 65 when I donated my kidney, and it was just a remarkable experience,” Brooks said.

“It is the single best act you will do in your entire life. There is nothing that will bring you greater joy and satisfaction than being a donor.”

According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, over 88,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant, as of April 30. In 2022, only 25,500 transplants were performed. Less than a quarter were from living donors.

Brown remains optimistic thanks to the support, generosity and guidance.

“I keep going. What are my choices? I’m not giving up. If I give up, it’s over,” he said.

If he receives his transplant, Brown said he plans to use those added years to continue to educate others and give back to the kidney transplant community.

“We’re going to do everything we can to help other people find kidneys,” he said. “And through this experience, we’re hoping to help others get through this in a positive way.”

To learn more, visit kidney2don.com.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Doylestown man continues fight for his life in search of kidney donor