A Vietnam Veteran in search of a new kidney placed his trust in the hands of strangers after his doctor suggested he share his story on social media.
Time is precious for William Walsh and his wife.
Two weeks ago, doctors told Walsh he needed to start looking for a new kidney.
So the 66-year-old did what anyone his age would've done. He turned to social media.
"I got on Facebook," he said with a smile.
His kidney transplant specialist told him posting a message on Facebook could speed up the search.
"She also told us that 85 percent of the people who put in a request for a kidney on Facebook get one so I got hope that I get on Facebook and I just told my story," he said.
Walsh who is typically reserved opened up to strangers explaining why he wanted their help.
"I wanted to be a little more open, put it out on Facebook and get a kidney and be able to see my grandchildren grow up," he said.
His father died when he was 5 years old. He wants to make sure he has more time on Earth with his family.
Walsh spent four years in the Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War.
People shared his original postmore than 500 times.
"These are people that I don't know. That's what's amazing to me," he said.
Even his wife was surprised from the outpour of support.
"We were at church last Sunday and we are walking out and some guy, we know him but I would've never thought, he came up to us and said I want to see if I can give you a kidney and I said whoa" she said.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center said people willing to help can give them a call to start the process.
"We always encourage people to go and apply anyway because it's our job to screen you and sometimes we do make exceptions for certain conditions," transplant Nurse Coordinator Kara Warmke said.
"Blood type necessarily doesn't matter because we have other programs. If patients are a good compatible match, we have a program that's called Pair and Donation program that can for other donors as well," Warmke said.
Walsh says finding a match would me the world to him.
To start the process or want more information about being a possible kidney donor, call Vanderbilt at 615-936-0695 and choose option 2. When calling, give the receptionist William Walsh's name.
