Ordway Lipscomb

“You can be somebody’s hero. And you can be a hero to their whole family,” states Ordway Lipscomb, of Pendleton, Oregon, when offering advice for those unsure about joining the donor registry.  Lipscomb is waiting for a kidney transplant. “I don’t know why you wouldn’t sign up. You could save a life.”

In the spring of 2011, Lipscomb became short of breath and started losing weight. Late one night he woke up unable to breathe. Normally reluctant to visit doctors and hospitals, Lipscomb managed to drive to the ER where he learned his blood pressure was dangerously high. Additional tests revealed his kidneys were functioning at just 6%. 

Before getting sick, Lipscomb was full of energy. He could work full time at a journeyman, travel to San Diego to visit his sister, go four-wheeling with his two teenagers and work on old Mustangs and Chevelles with his boss and long-time friend Rob.  Lipscomb could make plans for the future.

Today, Lipscomb plans his life around hemodialysis treatments. After treatment, he often comes home too exhausted to make dinner or even talk with his family.

Luckily for Lipscomb, he has a loving community looking after him. His friends have organized fundraising auctions to assist with his medical expenses. After becoming sick, they delivered two months’ worth of meals to Lipscomb, helped him pay his bills and cleaned his house. He is grateful to his friends for their support.

Lipscomb is especially grateful to Rob and Trina, his close friends and care takers. The Merrimans drive Lipscomb to his medical appointments, provide part time work when is able and make sure he follows his diet.

Today Lipscomb takes his health very seriously and is hopeful he will receive a kidney transplant.

“I just want to live and watch my children grow up. That is the most important thing to me.”