LOUISVILLE, Ky. — People of color make up more than half of the people on the national waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant, according to the Gift of Life donor program. That's why August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month.

Louisville resident William Powell was hospitalized with kidney failure eleven years ago. His kidney was unable to function, requiring dialysis immediately.

Powell stands, smiling in front of a fence. (William Powell)

In 2017, Powell received the call he had been waiting for: a new kidney was waiting for him. Now he's reflecting on his experience and encouraging other minorities to sign up to be organ donors.

“Getting that call, getting the kidney, having the surgery. Having a chance at a stronger life, a more fulfilled life that is a service life, there is really not a lot of words for it,” Powell said. 

The thought of receiving the gift of life leaves Powell speechless. Powell would end up being on dialysis for seven years. His treatment was three days a week, lasting four to five hours. 

“In some cases while on dialysis the person to your right or left may not make it that day. A Lot of people don’t know that people pass away during this process,” Powell said. 

He remembers days where he was depressed and overcome with sadness. But that didn't stop him from exercising 30 minutes a day, a requirement of organ recipients for a successful transfer.

“Without a transplant, my life would be highly compromised, or stuck on a dialysis machine,” Powell said. 

William Powell, his son and wife enjoy a day at the beach. (William Powell)

That's why Powell is volunteering for the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, encouraging people who look like him to sign up to be organ donors.

“If we are able to get a transplant from someone with the same genetic background as us, it has a better chance of that person having a longer, healthier life and the transplants life being able to go through life doing everything they possibly can.”

Powell wants people to know making a plan for the unexpected is needed.

“You make a plan for college, you make a plan to buy a car and for children. Make a plan for the end and how you can help. You have to prove yourself worthy, because not everybody can get a gift to waste,” Powell said. 

For more information about how you can help give the gift of life, visit the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates website.

Aug. 14 Editor's Note: The story has been changed to reflect the correct location for the event, which is Louisville not Lexington.