Davenport man uses car decals to find kidney donor
2024-07-25
Kidney Donor Plea Sparks Outpouring of Support
Derrick Bell, a Davenport, Iowa resident, has been battling kidney failure for the past seven years. In a desperate attempt to find a donor, he has taken to plastering his story on car decals, hoping to raise awareness and save his life. This unique approach has garnered significant attention and has led to a surge of support from the community.
A Lifeline in the Quad Cities
Diabetes Diagnosis Leads to Kidney Failure
Derrick Bell's journey with kidney failure began when he tried to enlist in the military at the age of 25. It was then that he discovered he had been a diabetic since childhood, a condition that had gone undiagnosed and untreated. This revelation soon led to a cascade of other health issues, including the loss of both of his eyes.
Desperate Measures to Find a Donor
For the past seven years, Bell has been searching tirelessly for a kidney donor to save his life. In a creative and unconventional move, he and his family friend created a decal that has been plastered on at least 12 different vehicles in the Quad Cities area. The decal features Bell's story, and the response has been overwhelming.
Outpouring of Support and Potential Donors
According to Bell, the decal has had a significant positive impact, generating more likes, followers, and comments on social media. Additionally, four different people have reached out this month, inquiring about how they can become his donor. Bell, who was initially skeptical about the effectiveness of the decal, is now amazed by the outpouring of support.
The Waiting Game and the Importance of Organ Donation
Bell's sister, Crystal Bell, is no stranger to the long wait for a life-saving call. She spent seven years on dialysis, witnessing patients who waited for years without ever receiving the call. The Bell family's experience highlights the critical need for organ donation and the importance of raising awareness about the issue.
A Glimmer of Hope in July
With July being a month of hope for the Bell family, they are optimistic that Derrick's story will continue to inspire others to consider becoming a donor. The decal campaign has proven to be a powerful tool in their quest to find a kidney, and they remain determined to secure a lifeline for Derrick.
A Call to Action
The article encourages readers to click on a link to find out how they can help Derrick Bell in his search for a kidney donor. This call to action underscores the urgency of the situation and the potential for individuals to make a meaningful difference in someone's life.