Black History in the Making

As the accomplishments and sacrifices of African Americans in Ohio are celebrated during Black History Month, more than 1,050 individuals from the African-American community in Ohio face an uncertain future as they wait for life-saving organ transplants.   

Some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in certain racial and ethnic populations. For example, African-Americans are three times more likely to suffer from end-stage renal disease than Caucasians. Some of these diseases are best treated through transplantation.  While African Americans make up 12 percent of the state's overall population, this ethnic group makes up 33 percent of the transplant waiting list.  The majority, 990 African American men, women and children are waiting for kidney transplants.   

Transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between individuals who share a similar racial background. For example, a patient is less likely to reject a kidney if it is donated by an individual who shares the same racial or ethnic group. Consequently, a lack of organs donated by minorities can contribute to longer waiting periods for transplantation.  

 As Lifebanc celebrates Black History Month, it emphasizes the importance of getting the facts and increasing the number of registered organ, eye and tissue donors, and thus lives saved.  

 Lifebanc is proud to introduce two individuals whose lives have been touch by organ donation and/or transplantation. In turn, they are making history and helping save and heal lives through donation and transplantation for all generations.

Vikki & Rodney Shadie

Most people will live an entire lifetime and never be a hero. As a seven year old child, Rodney Shadie of Akron was.  On May 5, 2003, Rodney’s parents, Vikki and Rodney, were facing every parent’s worst fear.  Their little boy had lost his battle to survive. Yet in the midst of tragedy and sadness, the Shadie family made one important and life-saving decision to help save another’s life through organ donation.

Vikki and Rodney experienced first-hand the miraculous gift of organ donation. Just five years prior to his death, Rodney was a liver recipient. “That transplant gave him his second life,” says Vikki.  “It allowed him to live life and be happy.” Another child who was only 20 months old gave the Gift of Life to Rodney. 

Vikki shares Rodney's story with others to bring attention for the great need of more registered organ donors in the African American community.  As a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., she spoke, via video, to the audience and participants of the Stepping 4 Life Greek Step Show competition hosted by Lifebanc.   Her message was inspirational and heart-warming as she shared Rodney, Jr.'s story.

Roy-Allen Bumpers 

Just a little over a year ago, Roy-Allen was told that he was in kidney failure and would eventualy need a kidney transplant.  Roy-Allen, a young father of two, knows that he has much to live for and began working with Lifebanc to promote organ, eye and tissue donation in the African American community.  Listen to a personal message from Roy-Allen now.