Willie Blackwell’s miracle has come to pass.

After several years of waiting, the McDonough resident was the recipient of a kidney transplant April 26. His quest was the subject of a story in the Times in 2019.

He got the call from Piedmont Atlanta Hospital with the news that a deceased young person would be the donor, with the family’s permission.

“You need to be here in two hours,” the hospital official told him on the phone. “Can you get here?”
“I’m already there,” Blackwell replied.

He made it under the deadline and the operation was a success. The next six weeks included twice-weekly doctor visits in Atlanta, and now he is able to have his lab work and checkup at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Doctors are keeping a close eye on him to make sure the new kidney is not rejected.

“So far, so good,” said Blackwell in a June 10 interview with the Times. “It’s a miracle.”

With no knowledge of the identity of the donor, Blackwell said he will be able to write a letter to the family thanking them for this invaluable gift. He may never get a reply, but he will be able to pass along his sentiments nonetheless.

An active NFL player four decades ago, he has spent his post-football life in a variety of career pursuits while also working as a chaplain and in other ministry opportunities. His future plans include working with Piedmont to promote organ donation.

In 1999 he lost a kidney to cancer, and he was told then that the other one could be lost eventually. It was then that he embarked on a physical regimen that to this day includes a strict diet and regular workouts. The 67-year-old is a regular at LA Fitness and has been for years.

“I made the decision back then to get myself in top-notch condition,” he said. “That was a big part of [his survival], along with my faith in God.”

Amazingly, he has not needed dialysis treatments the past several years although he knew he was in need of a transplant.
He is now trying to let everyone who has helped him and prayed for him along the way know how grateful he is for this new start. He also wants to help others to have the same opportunity.

“I’m going to try to spread the word and help other people now,” he said. “That’s my whole life’s mission.”