Answered prayers for a local firefighter who has been battling stage four kidney disease.
It took nearly a year to find a donor for West Memphis Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Jones.
He underwent a kidney transplant today, thanks to Lori Wilson, a longtime family friend who donated a kidney to save this local hero.
Both were in surgery several hours, but family and friends tell us everything is going well. Both are now recovering.
“I didn’t know how I would feel on this day, but we’re just very calm. We have prayed so much about this day that we just feel very calm. We just know God is taking care of both of them and it’ll all be ok, so we’re very calm today,” said Ashley King, daughter of Wilson.
“He’s just like a brother to me. Not only is he my assistant chief, this guy eats, breathes, and sleeps fire department and helping people,” said West Memphis Fire Chief Wayne Gateley.
Jones’ family says he still has a long road ahead of him. It could take months to make sure his new kidney will function properly. We’ll keep you posted on how both patients are doing.
