COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- We first introduced you to Brandon Talley four years ago. The father of three was in dire need of a kidney. He was diagnosed with kidney failure brought on by diabetes.
After three years on dialysis, he received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor last October.
"I got to the point in May where I started noticing some symptoms with the rejection medication," Talley said.
Talley said after going in for a checkup, he was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that affects very few transplant patients. It essentially damages the organ's function which can lead to kidney failure.
"It is so rare that doctors are now doing research to find out the root cause of it," Talley said.
Talley said now he's once again in the fight of his life.
"It is pretty much life or death," Talley said.
Now, the search is on for a living donor. According to the National Kidney Foundation, a kidney from a living donor lasts about 15 to 20 years, compared to 7 to 10 years for a kidney from a deceased donor.
"I do not want to go back on dialysis, and the unknown is the unknown," Talley said. "But with the living donor, I can continue to be a father, continue to be a mentor, continue to go back to teaching."
Talley frequently hosts events to educate the community on kidney disease.
"I was taught from some wise individuals to never give up," Talley said. "I have a family, I have a community and I want to support those who can't fight for themselves."
Talley said his kids are counting on him to stick around, and he has no plans on going anywhere or stopping the search.
"All I can do is ask," Talley said. "Someone can say no. No is an option. No is an easy term. But to say yes to saving someone's life, that's a big deal."
You must be older than 18 and in good health to be a living kidney donor. You have the option of directing your organ to a specific person or helping someone you don't know who's on the transplant waiting list. You can learn more about the process here.
Anyone interested in helping Talley can call 614-293-6724.
