A local man helps his friend find a kidney donor

It is said that a good friendship is a shelter in a storm – friends Kenneth Johnson and Dave Harbison know this better than most. The two men were both very sick and both needed new kidneys. “I was on dialysis; They brought Dave in.” “I had an empty chair next to me and they put him in the chair,” Johnson remembers. The two started a conversation and a lifelong friendship began. “When Dave came, it was just, you know, you’re excited to go on dialysis,” Johnson says. But a few months ago, Johnson received a life-changing call – doctors found him a donor and within hours he received a transplant. For Johnson, it was a blessing, but now he wants to find a friend for his love. He spends hours every week standing on street corners with a sign featuring Harbison’s photo and all the information about how someone could donate his kidney to help him. Harbison’s girlfriend Victoria Schwarz makes the signs and Johnson stands out with her. Harbison hopes he can get a kidney in time to walk his little girl down the aisle. “I have a daughter who’s getting married in September,” Harbison said. No matter what it takes, these friends are in it together They are both supporters of the nonprofit organization Off The List, which helps connect people considering becoming a donor with those in need of a kidney transplant. It helps both people on the donation journey and provides them with resources to support whatever they need. Johnson and Harbison say they hope to find his kidney and then find someone they can help. If you think you or someone you know might be a match for Dave Harbison, you can visit Dave’s Miracle Match – to find out more.