LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia –
If a family member is in need, most people would gladly give the shirt off their back to lend a hand.
But how many would give a body part? Langley Staff Sergeant Lafonza Spencer was faced with that choice when his brother, Deshawn Gibbs, 30-year-old resident of Chesapeake, Va., developed a degenerative kidney disease.
“In 2001 we found out that he had kidney disease, and we knew that it would require some serious treatment,” said Sergeant Spencer, 28-year-old 1st EMS armament flight. At first Mr. Gibbs’ doctors attempted other forms of treatment, but while Sergeant Spencer was stationed in Korea in 2003, he learned that Deshawn had to go on dialysis treatment here in the Hampton Roads area.
“The dialysis drains you so much, physically and mentally,” said Deshawn. “It helps to prolong your life, but it places great stress on your heart and the rest of your body -- so it was hurting more than just my kidneys.”
Sergeant Spencer knew he wanted to get back to the Hampton Roads area so he could help take care of his brother. He didn’t know it would lead to a chance to save his life.
“My first thought was to try and get a humanitarian assignment to Langley because I wanted to be around him, in case I could help take care of him,” Sergeant Spencer said. “Then I happened to get stationed here anyway, so it was meant to be.”
Once doctors announced that Deshawn would be placed on the kidney donor waiting list, Sergeant Spencer began considering whether he could be a suitable donor for his brother. At the time, the waiting list for a donor was three years long.
“After a few months I realized I should get tested to see if I could donate, because the only way he was going to get a donor in time was if every other person on the list happened to have a unique complication,” said Sergeant Spencer.
As benevolent as Sergeant Spencer’s donation ambitions were, it still wasn’t a guarantee that he would even be a suitable match. Organ compatibility still had to be tested.
“At that point I was very happy that he had expressed interest in getting tested, but it is nerve-wracking because you still don’t know if it will work, and it takes a long time to determine it,” Deshawn explained.
Donor evaluations include blood tests, EKGs, CT scans and much more. On top of all the medical tests, Sergeant Spencer had to clear another hurdle in convincing the Air Force that he would still be able to perform to all physical standards. If not, they could cancel the entire donation plan.
“It took 10 months for the entire process to take place,” Sergeant Spencer said. “Once they determined that our blood type matched and that medically we would be eligible, I had to get a recommendation letter to the Air Force Inspector General.”
After several examinations, Sergeant Spencer’s primary care manager approved him and sent the clearance letter up the chain of command. After the paperwork was complete, it didn’t take long to schedule the procedure. Sergeant Spencer and Deshawn had their surgeries in Norfolk, at Sentara General Hospital in November; and Deshawn had his last post-operative follow-up examination Jan. 8.
So far, everything is completely normal.
“I feel great,” said Deshawn, “and I only have to get annual check-ups with my doctor from now on.”
The healing process for both brothers was a delicate one, but each say they feel much better knowing that the operation is over and was totally successful.
“I am just very thankful that I was a match and that everything worked out,” Sergeant Spencer said. Deshawn said the process has been a renewing of the body and mind. “My appreciation for family and life was always there, so that hasn’t necessarily changed,” he said. “I always had faith in God that things would be fine. I am thankful for the chance to be back in the community again, and I am very thankful to my brother for having the heart to give as he did.”
That is probably the best way to say it. Sergeant Spencer donated a kidney, but it came straight from the heart.