Ahead of Thanksgiving, Macon woman shares story of gratitude after husband’s kidney donation

Candice Stephens says she hopes her transplant journey encourages more families to learn about organ donation.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – This Thanksgiving week, a Macon woman is sharing her story of gratitude after she received a kidney from her husband.

Candice Stephens says she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven, and after years of mismanaged diabetes and out-of-control blood sugar, her kidneys became damaged.

By that point, she was diagnosed with stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

“It was devastating!” she said. “I was in my early 20s, I believe, so that’s not anything anyone or a 21-year-old wants to experience.”

When the conversation about a transplant came up, her husband decided to donate his kidney to her. Candice says she’s thankful and blessed to have a husband willing and able to give her such a much-needed gift.

“Just knowing that I married the ultimate match was amazing,” she said. “I honestly did not believe he would be a match. I didn’t even ask him to donate for various reasons.”

According to the National Kidney Foundation, Black Americans are the most in need of organ transplants, making up more than a quarter of the national waiting list. This is one major reason Candice says she wants to spread awareness.

“Just think about it and educate yourself,” she said. “Because some people go through, as I did, self-inflicted situations. But some people don’t, and they need those kidneys, or heart, or liver, or whatever the case is. So before you judge, just educate yourself.”

If you or a family member have questions about any transplants, contact your local doctor.