A Laurens County family is spreading the word about a kidney needed for one of the family members. The McDowell family has been hitting the ground running since their sister was determined eligible for a transplant a few months ago. And the family started at the one place they knew thousands of people would be…a Gamecocks game.
It started with a business card. It was small enough that people could slip in their back pocket.
The card reads “I love my Gamecocks, but I love my sister more. If you could please help us find a living kidney donor.”
Susan McDowell and husband Morris McDowell passed out the cards at the USC game with a plan to reach at least 500 people.
“The outpouring of support from the fans… Gamecock Nation. It was actually people searching us down for the kidney cards.. ‘Do you have any more kidney cards?'” added Susan McDowell.
Crystal McDowell is a mother and grandmother and has spent most of her life taking care of her children. But after being diagnosed with a kidney disease 25 years ago, Crystal has been struggling to even take care of herself.
“I just really want a kidney so I can continue to live a normal life. I have 2 children and a grandson. It has really taken over my life and I don’t have the time I’d like to spend with them,” Crystal explained with tears in her eyes.
The McDowells are hoping to find a living kidney donor using their love for the Gamecocks and love for Crystal.
The family says it’s their time to look out for Crystal.
“She was always taking care of other folks.. and put herself to the side to take care of other folks, and now it’s our turn to take care of her,” said Morris McDowell.
“It’s just a blessing that they care enough about me to do that.”
The family returned to the stands for USC’ Homecoming Game.
Crystal McDowell is waiting for finalizations by MUSC, which hosts the living donor program.
It only takes a few minutes to see if you could be a match. To find out more about Crystal and the living donor program click HERE.
