A year ago, Courtney Davis’ life was completely upended when she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease following a routine pre-surgery appointment.
“They found that my kidney function was too low for them to perform surgery on me and that I needed to see a kidney doctor as soon as possible,” she said. “It’s been extremely scary.”
At just 36, Courtney is fighting not only for her own life, but for the future of her 10-year-old niece, Journee, who depends on her full-time care.
“I am devoted to caring for my niece,” said Courtney. “I try to keep everything normal, so my situation doesn’t become too heavy and starts affecting her mentally and emotionally. She keeps me going, and watching her grow gives me strength and determination. She’s the real warrior at just 10 years old. I fight because of her.”
Having seen her aunt battle kidney disease later in life, Courtney is determined to find a kidney donor in hopes of avoiding dialysis. “I want to live a normal life without relying on a machine to survive,” she said. “I’m still young, full of life, and have so much more left to do on this earth.”
Since her diagnosis, many friends and family members, including her mother, Debra, have stepped forward to be tested, but underlying medical issues have prevented any from being a match.
“That’s been very hard,” said Debra. “She needs something that I can’t give her. She has been very strong, stronger than I could ever be. As a mother, I ask that someone please help my baby. We need her, we love her. She’s the love of my life, and I need her to be here as long as I’m here.”
Journee describes her aunt as “beautiful, caring, and strong,” someone who helps with math homework and makes the best nachos. “I want someone to give her a kidney so she can stay with me for the rest of my life,” said the rising fifth grader. “I want her there for everything.”
Courtney admits that searching for a donor on her own hasn’t been easy, and the process has taken an emotional toll. Still, she remains hopeful.
“At first, I was ashamed and embarrassed to ask for an organ,” she said. “But God put it on my heart to ask, and I believe there’s a soft, kind-hearted person out there willing to do it for me. God gives us two kidneys, and if someone is willing to ‘share the spare,’ they would be my angel here on Earth.”
As far as future goals, Courtney’s main focus at the moment is to find a healthy kidney—but she does dream of being married one day and getting back to her bubbly self. “I just want to be back to the person that I know I can be. Everyone deserves a second chance! I promise to take care of this kidney and do everything within my power to keep it functioning properly. I pray this reaches someone the right someone who wants to be my forever angel.”
Courtney’s faith is central to her outlook. Her favorite verse is Psalm 23: “Even though I walk through the valley… I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” She leans on this promise daily as she waits for the call that could change her life. In the meantime, she encourages others to consider becoming a donor after death, as well.
“I think donation after death and living donation are equally important,” she said. “You’re becoming someone’s hero—especially for people like me, whose family members can’t donate to them. A blessing doesn’t have to be material or financial—it can be something priceless, like the gift of life.”
To learn more about Courtney and how you could be her “angel here on earth,” visit https://nkr.org/BXG953. To learn more about signing up to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor after death, visit HonorBridge.org.
