Tom Hardges
Our search for a living kidney donor
A lifetime of service
Military Service
Community Service
Community Service
SFC Tom Hardges Jr. retired from the United States army after 21 years of dedication to his country. Tom continues to support other veterans by assisting them in getting started with the VA.
Community Service
Community Service
Community Service
After his military career Tom went right back into public service as the Recreation Director of Petal, MS for 25 years and managing to coach youth football for 10 years.
Church Service
Community Service
Church Service
Being a dedicated and active member of his church Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Tom is rooted in faith.
The Journey and the why
For the past 40 years Tom has been living with kidney disease. Thankfully through outstanding medical care, determination, God's grace, careful hydration, and healthy habits he has been able to avoid dialysis far longer than anyone thought possible. We have reached a critical stage, stage 5. With careful thought and planning, our family has decided to move forward with his fistula surgery incase dialysis is needed while waiting on a donor. Dialysis can sustain life, but a living donor kidney transplant offers a longer, healthier, and more active future.
The truth is simple: Tom has too many people who love him and need him to be healthy and active. He is the family cornerstone, and a living donor gives the best option of a full life.
How can you help
Consider becoming a living kidney donor
Many people are surprised to learn that living kidney donation is possible and that donors can live healthy, active, full lives with one kidney. Even if you are not an AB+ match you can still be a donor.
Sharing this page opens the door to more people that could potentially be a donor.
Transplant Center: UMMC University Transplant Center
Donor registration link: www.ummc.donorscreen.org
Transplant Center Email: livingdonor@umc.edu
Transplant Center phone: 601-984-5064
Resources for living kidney donors
National Living Donor Assistance Center: NLDAC@livingdonorassistance.org
American Transplant Foundation:
www.americantransplantfoundation.org
Living Donors online: www.livingdonorsonline.org
These resources help to reduce the financial disincentives to living organ donation.
