Derrick Floyd ~ Kidney Recipient
Charlotte, NC ~ Age 40 ~ Truck driver

Derrick "D.J." Floyd, Jr. ~ Recipient's Son
Charlotte, NC ~ Age 13 ~ Student

Father and son

Sponsored by: Coalition on Donation

At the age of 34, Derrick was diagnosed with the same kidney disease that took his mother’s life. After waiting for over 3 years, he was transplanted with a donated kidney at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Says Derrick, “Thanks to the generosity of a donor family I can be a regular father. Having a new kidney has given me another chance at life.” Derrick and his son D.J. are featured in the Coalition on Donation’s “Empowering Testimonials” public service announcement campaign.


Derrick's Story

A 1994 diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis led to my need for a kidney transplant.

I remember the first symptoms of the disease were fatigue. I have always been in shape, playing football and basketball. One day I came home from work and planned to mow my front yard. I cut one row in the yard, and felt like I had cut 10 yards. I couldn’t finish.

When I started doing home (peritoneal) dialysis my kidneys were functioning at one-third of their capability. For two years I endured nine hours of weekly dialysis. D.J. was right by my side for whatever I needed. He would not even go outside and play. Eventually, my disease progressed worse, and I had to begin hemodialysis.

Six months after my mother lost her battle to the disease, I received my transplant. She lived with the disease without complaining, and without holding her head down. She told me that I would receive a transplant. I will never forget the day she went in, and never came out.

Thanks to the generosity of a donor family I can be a regular father. Since the transplant, there are so many things I can do: walk my dog, go to the park with my family. Having a new kidney has given me another chance at life.