Deputy in need of kidney finds donor
Published: Jul. 16, 2015 at 9:09 PM EDT|Updated: Aug. 15, 2015 at 11:12 PM EDT
A completely selfless act is going to give a local sheriff's deputy a chance at a new life.
WTOC has been following Effingham County Sheriff's Deputy Ivey Williamson's search for a kidney donor.
A man from Pooler, Charlie Hanson, came forward and was a match.
"I was sitting on the sofa, watching TV, and it came on TV about a deputy, Ivey, needing a kidney," explained Charlie Hanson.
In that moment, Charlie Hanson knew he would be the one to give Deputy Ivey Williamson his new kidney. "All I could see was O Negative on TV, and that's what did it," said Hanson.
Charlie didn't even know his own blood type until he served in the Navy, and they explained his rare blood type very bluntly. "Son, I'm going to tell you right now, if anything ever happens to you and you'll need blood, and I can't use the word that they said, but you going to be out of luck."
But in this case, luck - named Charlie - was on Ivey's side; something this deputy says renews his faith in the public he serves. "With all the stuff I've seen in my 20 years of law enforcement, it's good to see someone come forward and do a good deed," said Deputy Ivey Williamson, who's receiving a kidney.
Charlie didn't come on camera for attention or fame, but he hopes his appearance can be an example. "Two kidneys...you only need one. I'm kind of glad I didn't know that, because I might have lost it years ago,” he laughed.
Charlie's been to war and back twice, has several children and a loving wife of years, and still he's always wanted to serve in any way he can. "When I was a kid, I was on the police youth patrol. Now, my kidney
is going to be riding around with Ivey now. “Still on patrol...that's pretty good...I never thought of that."
And, he never thought twice of giving up an organ to a complete stranger. Surgery at Emory is August 6th. If anything, Charlie just wants you to do your own investigating on becoming a living donor.
Charlie's been to war and back twice, has several children and a loving wife of years, and still he's always wanted to serve in any way he can. "When I was a kid, I was on the police youth patrol. Now, my kidney
is going to be riding around with Ivey now. “Still on patrol...that's pretty good...I never thought of that."
And, he never thought twice of giving up an organ to a complete stranger. Surgery at Emory is August 6th. If anything, Charlie just wants you to do your own investigating on becoming a living donor.
http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/transplant-kidney/index.html?pi_ad_id=69490508470&gclid=CjwKEAjwla2tBRDY7YK9uKXe8R8SJAAhG6LG_dHDxpN9xjpcKr7ZyopGrimVfC-gRKpGHJ3kOQymfxoCpyfw_wcB
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