KCTV: Missouri Pastor Reflects on Kidney Transplant During Donate Life Month

A now-retired pastor spent years waiting for a kidney transplant after a near-fatal experience with COVID-19.

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There are more than 100,000 people on the waitlist for an organ transplant. Donate Life Month is an annual recognition in April to celebrate those who have donated and received life-saving transplants, as well as educate the public on becoming an organ donor.

Bob Johnston spent decades as a member of his local clergy in Rolla, Missouri, but in 2021, he was hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-19. He suffered significant complications, including severe inflammation that led to kidney failure.

Five years after his initial hospitalization, Bob received the phone call he’d been waiting for – a new kidney was ready for him, and he had a successful transplant this past January.

KCTV spoke to Bob, his Saint Luke’s transplant surgeon Dr. Rachel Tindall, and his transplant coordinator Jamie Black about his journey to recovery.