My Kidney Transplant Story: Prince LaCarlous Jackson
On February 3, 2022, I was diagnosed with kidney failure. My life was turned upside down. I began dialysis treatments three days a week, each session lasting four long hours in a chair. At the time, I was living in Memphis, Tennessee, and the emotional and physical toll was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
But I refused to let the diagnosis define me.
I made a commitment to myself: work out every other day, stay faithful, and fight for my life. As I kept pushing, my treatment time gradually decreased. Small victories like that gave me hope.
Still, the journey was far from easy. Dialysis changed my appearance, and with it, my confidence. I battled low self-esteem, mental distress, and a sense of isolation. But walking daily, eating healthier, and surrounding myself with positive people brought light into my darkest days. Over the years, my health improved, little by little. Even though I still had to wake up at 4:15 a.m. for treatment, I kept showing up—tired, hurting, but determined.
There were moments of heartbreak, too. People I trusted promised to donate a kidney, only to later change their minds. I was disappointed, but I understood. Organ donation is a deeply personal decision. So, I turned to prayer. I clung to my faith, trusting that God had a plan.
Then, something extraordinary happened.
On April 17, 2025—my father’s birthday—I received a life-changing call from UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. They told me to be on standby: they had a potential kidney match. I didn’t panic. I prayed. I waited. And I kept moving forward.
Three days later, on Easter Sunday on my way to church at exactly 11:21 a.m., the call came. “Get here as fast as possible,” they said. A kidney was ready for me. As I rushed to pack, spoke with my family, and even prepare a meal for company, tears streamed down my face. Joy, fear, hope—it all flooded in at once.
When I arrived at the hospital, they knew who I was. The warmth and kindness of the staff made me feel like I was floating on clouds. The kidney I was about to receive came from a 30-year-old man in Georgia who had tragically passed away while on life support. His selfless gift saved my life. I will never forget him, and I pray for his family often. I wish I could wrap them in a hug and tell them how much their loved one meant to me.
I’ve lost people I thought would be there for me, but I’ve also discovered the strength in those who stayed. Even a small circle can hold a world of love.
Prince LaCarlous Jackson
That day, I felt like I was reborn—with not just a new kidney, but a new heart and spirit. While I’m still on the road to full recovery, and some treatments continue, my progress is steady. I know I am healing. I can’t wait to go outside to feel the wonderful breeze and shop.
To anyone out there battling kidney failure: don’t give up. This journey isn’t easy, and no one who hasn’t walked in your shoes can understand it fully. I’ve lost people I thought would be there for me, but I’ve also discovered the strength in those who stayed. Even a small circle can hold a world of love.
Keep fasting, keep praying, and know that God does answer. Your breakthrough may be just around the corner. Keep fighting!
About the Author
Prince LaCarlous Jackson is 41 years old and is a kidney transplant recipient. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and later spent half of his life in the small town of Sylacauga, Alabama. He currently resides in San Francisco, California. Known in his community as a singer and keyboardist, he uses his musical talents to inspire people with wisdom and encouragement.