Gift of Life: Kidney transplant gets former pro boxer and dad back in the ring of life

WYNNEWOOD, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Whereas the Philadelphia space has the best donation price within the nation, many individuals still haven’t registered, so many extra may gain advantage from residing and deceased donors.

For years, Glenn “The Expertise” Turner was a fixture on Philadelphia’s boxing scene.

His flamboyant hair colours bought consideration, so did his ability and tenacity, even from opponents.

After judges known as on of his fights a draw, Turner’s opponent known as it “a theft.” He mentioned Turner clearly gained the bout.

After his professional days ended, Glenn’s health slipped, and hypertension turned his new opponent. Sooner or later, his daughter satisfied him to go to the hospital to get checked.

“They mentioned my blood stress was 268 over like 200. So I went from strolling, strolling off the road to the ICU,” mentioned Turner.

It delivered a knockout to his kidneys, placing him onto dialysis.

However Glenn turned the self-discipline he discovered in boxing to wholesome consuming, exercising and taking remedy to spare his kidneys. He was decided, however nervous every time he went to sleep.

“I used to be scared that I won’t get up,” he mentioned.

He bought a number of calls about potential kidneys, however they by no means labored out. On December 28th, he was advised there is likely to be one out there, although he was fifth in line for it.

“That is common,” Glenn mentioned.

However on December 29th, his fears of not waking up ended with a name from Lankenau Medical Middle.

“She says ‘Glenn, you bought the kidney’,” he mentioned. “I used to be on dialysis for six years and 23 days.”

Inside per week, Glenn wasn’t simply out of the hospital, however strolling by means of his neighborhood in Penn Valley.

“I am taking my first stroll, man. It is a good feeling,” he mentioned in a mobile phone recording.

Barely two weeks later, he was again on the Should Combat Gymnasium in Chester, coaching promising younger boxers. However he by no means stops eager about his donor’s household.

“Your son saved my life, as a result of I by no means thought I might get the prospect to make it to 50 years. August 16th is my birthday, I can be 50 and we’ll have a giant bash,” mentioned Glenn.

One organ donor can save as much as eight lives, and a tissue donor can save as much as 75 lives. And whereas it is good to share your needs with your loved ones, it is better to register, so everybody is aware of.