Broadcasting Hope: WMPI's General seeks lifesaving kidney

Scottsburg radio station I105.3 WMPI's General Manager Dan Daggett is facing the fight of his life. Diagnosed in 2016 with polycystic kidney disease (PKD)- a hereditary disorder on his mother's side. Dan is now in end-stage renal failure with only 9% kidney function.

For the past year and a half, Dan has been on the transplant list, waiting and hoping for a miracle. In the meantime, he undergoes dialysis three times a week, a process that keeps him alive but is not a long-term solution. His doctors strongly recommend a living kidney donor, which would give him the best chance at a longer, healthier life.

Sitting down with Dan and his wife, Jennifer, it's clear that their love and strength are unwavering in the face of this challenge. Dan calls Jennifer his “caregiver and his strength”, insisting she deserves all the credit for how far he has come. But the journey, is far from over, and they know they can't do it alone.

With more than 100,000 people in the United States currently waiting for a kidney transplant and 16 people dying every day while waiting, the need for donors is urgent. The average kidney from a deceased donor lasts about 3.5 years, but a living donation can last for many more years – giving Dan the best chance for a full and active life.

Jennifer encourages everyone to at least have the discussion and educate themselves about organ donation. The first step is simple learning about the process and checking to see if you might be a match. For those willing to explore the possibility of becoming a kidney donor, visit www.donatelifeindiana.org to learn more.

Dan and Jennifer also invite the community to follow their journey and spread awareness by visiting Dan's Facebook page: Kidney 4 Dan.

Even if you're not a match for Dan, you could be a match for someone else waiting for their second chance at life.

A conversation. A willingness to learn. A decision that could save a life. That's all they ask.

Could you be the match Dan is waiting for?