Archie Langford

For many years, Archie Langford worked as a walking mailman. When he retired in 2017, he was excited about the extra time he would have to spend with his children and grandchildren. Plus, he’d have more time to play golf and attend the live sporting events he loved as an avid fan of the Portland Trailblazers, Seattle Mariners, and more. He and his wife, Danette, had always loved taking trips to the coast and looked forward to having the time to travel abroad.

Spring 2020 was difficult for everyone as the coronavirus pandemic brought most of the world to a screeching halt. But for Archie, that spring also brought his diagnosis of kidney failure. Doctors are still unsure of what caused his kidney failure, but the most likely factors were his history of high blood pressure and his extended use of ibuprofen during his years as a walking mailman. Regardless, Archie was going to need a kidney transplant. 

All patients being put on the transplant waiting list must meet certain criteria. For Archie, that meant that before going on the list, he needed to have a minor medical procedure. Unfortunately, Archie’s “minor” procedure turned into a major health crisis. During the procedure, he experienced complications that almost ended his life and caused him to be put on a ventilator and two heart pumps. For the six months that followed, Archie was hospitalized and fighting for his life. After finally being released home, it took him more than a year to stabilize his health enough to finally qualify for the waiting list. All the while, Archie endured dialysis three times a week. 

While waiting, Archie and his family attended Donate Life Northwest’s “Finding a Living Donor” workshops. He had a few people offer to be tested as potential living donors, but none worked out. In February 2023, Archie actually got “the call” that a deceased donor had a kidney that was a match for him. Hours into the pre-op process, Archie, who was fully vaccinated and showing no symptoms, tested positive for COVID. The transplant had to be canceled. Archie and his family were devastated. 

In September of 2024, Archie received a call that would change his life. An anonymous living donor that was an exact match, had come forward. After the experience in 2024 Archie and his wife approached the surgery with huge trepidation. Archie completed all the needed tests, and surgery was scheduled. On September 17, 2024 Archie received his kidney transplant. The early months were rough, but Archie persevered. By May of 2025 Archie started feeling like he did before kidney issues started. He started playing golf again – 2x per week – taking walks, etc. He was able to see his grandkids play sports and hang out with friends. Life was better.

He just celebrated his one year transplant anniversary. Archie and his wife took their first road trip in September – to a fundraiser in Everett. A dear friend of theirs is waiting for a transplant, and they wanted to support them. The Puget Sound Kidney Center was a great event. Many were excited to meet a kidney recipient! Since then, the couple has been to Seattle to see the Mariners play, and have a beach trip on the calendar. It is nice to be able to plan for the future.

Archie and his wife express, “We hope to meet our donor someday. Saying thank you does not seem to be enough. But we will continue to say it every day. And we work to educate on the need for organ donation!”

Archie is grateful for the gift of life and the return to a life free of dialysis, sickness, and weakness. He is able to once again fully participate in his family’s day-to-day activities, and do all of the things he and Danette dreamed of before kidney failure hijacked their plans.

Archie and Danette encourage readers to look into organ donation. Read stories, ask questions, and learn everything you can to make an informed decision. To those who ultimately decide to register as a donor or even to become a living donor, Danette says, “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You are very selfless. You give me and my family hope."