Local man receives kidney from longtime friend

By Tracey Tylman

Hartselle Enquirer

James Nicholson and Mandy Smith started their friendship as coworkers but soon became family friends. The pair met in 2014 at Bethlehem West Baptist Church. A decade later, they would become even closer through a lifesaving procedure.

Nicholson, 60, is a Hartselle native and the praise and worship leader at the church. Smith, a Cullman native, left her position five years later, but she sees both Nicholson and his wife, Becky, through her new employment.

Nicholson underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure in 2018 that led to end stage renal disease. Needing a kidney transplant, Nicholson was placed on the UNOS (United States for Organ Sharing) waiting list in August of last year.

Because of their friendship, Smith said she felt a calling to be Nicholson’s donor. With the support of her family, she reached out to Becky to ask about testing to be a match. A few months later, the surgery was scheduled. Smith said the process was easy and confirmed she was meant to be a match for her longtime friend.

The surgery took place on Feb. 17 at UAB. Both parties are now released from the hospital and recovering. Nicholson will need to remain close to UAB to be monitored for the next several weeks. Smith is continuing her recovery at home.

More than 100,000 people are on the UNOS waiting list, with 86 percent of people waiting for kidneys. According to donatelife.net, it typically takes 3-5 years for a recipient to receive an organ from a deceased donor. With a living donor, such as kidneys or livers, that number can reduce the waiting time to a year.

For more information on becoming a living donor, please visit unos.org or Donate Life’s registration page.