Searcy, Arkansas-Kidney Transplantation March 2023

Brotherhood between two friends refers to a strong bond and connection that is similar to the relationship between two brothers. It involves loyalty, trust, support, and camaraderie built through shared experiences, mutual respect, and understanding. Brotherhood defines Chad Wells and Roy Lang, two UPS drivers located in Searcy, Arkansas.

At the age of 21, Chad started working at UPS during Christmas of 1991. Roy, just 19 years old, was hired months later, and these two have been close friends ever since. Little did they know that 30 years later, Roy would be the perfect match for Chad’s kidney transplantation.

When Chad recently went in for his annual DOT physical, he received the news that his body was in the process of kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ERSD). This condition causes a person’s kidneys to cease functioning, leading to the need for a regular course of long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. This medical condition causes the kidneys to stop working effectively, making it difficult for the body to filter waste products, regulate fluid from the blood, and convert it into urine. In kidney failure, this process becomes impaired, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body and other serious health problems.

When the Searcy UPS center heard about their friend, they were eager to help. Some even went for blood tests to see if they were the match that Chad needed. Without hesitation, Roy saw an opportunity to help his friend; by God’s grace, he was the match that Chad needed. “Chad has been one of my best friends for over 30 years. We have kids the same age, and they need their dad!” Roy said if he were in this situation, Chad would do the same thing for him.

A living donor transplant has many advantages over a deceased donor kidney transplant, the most important being a significantly higher success rate because the living donor generally functions immediately after transplantation. A deceased donor might take several days or weeks to function normally, and it’s not uncommon to have a waiting period of 2-3 years to receive a kidney. According to the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, kidney transplants exceeded 25,000, and a total of 6,466 people became living organ donors in 2022. As of February 13, 2023, there are 88,783 patients on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

This kidney transplant is crucial for Chad and will only help improve his quality of life. Chad and Roy are scheduled for kidney transplantation in March. They’re expected to spend several days in the hospital with frequent checkups, blood tests, and medications following the transplant. Although insurance will cover most of their expenses, they are expected to be off work for several weeks for recovery.

This Go Fund Me account will be used for any out-of-pocket medical and/or living expenses acquired during their recovery. Anything that exceeds the desired amount will be donated to help other Arkansas patients suffering from kidney failure.

Although Chad and Roy would never ask for donations, they are thankful for all the support that has been shown by their family, friends, co-workers, and their community.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Thank you for your time and your consideration. All monetary donations will be split between Chad and Roy to help with additional medical expenses, living expenses, and care during recovery.