Gospel Artist Eunice Wright Sheds 40 Pounds to Donate Kidney to Son
Gospel recording artist and award-winning Psalmist Eunice Wright recently donated her kidney to her 19-year-old son, Tony, after a year of eating right and shedding 40 pounds to prepare for the procedure.
“The process to prepare for the transplant has taken about a year for the doctors to determine that I was a good donor choice for my son,” Wright has said. “There were some health changes I had to make which lead to me losing 40 pounds. I’m not mad about that part at all!”
The dual procedures were successful. “God is good! I would just like to thank everyone for their prayers,” said label executive Carlos Cannon Sr.
Wright’s son was diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition where both of his kidneys had completely shut down.
According to the National Institutes of Health, diabetes and high blood pressure are the key contributors to ESRD; when afflicted, the kidneys slowly stop working over time before completely shutting down. On average, 1,752 per one million Americans are afflicted with ESRD annually. It may take up to 20 years for the kidneys to completely shut down.
Symptoms of end stage renal disease include:
Symptoms may include:
- General ill feeling and fatigue
- Itching (pruritus) and dry skin
- Headaches
- Weight loss without trying
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Abnormally dark or light skin
- Nail changes
- Bone pain
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Problems concentrating or thinking
- Numbness in the hands, feet, or other areas
Dialysis and organ transplant are the only successful treatments for ESRD.
Mother and son are resting comfortably now, and Carlos Cannon Sr. speaking on behalf of the family, thanked the fans for the outpouring of support.
“We appreciate the outpour of love and support shown toward the Wright, Purnell and Joyful Noyze families over the last few days since the news of the procedure was made public,” Cannon said. “To all the fans, industry professionals, fellow artists, radio stations, and supporters — we thank you and we love you. Let’s continue to keep them in our prayers for speedy recoveries. Thanks and may God bless you all!”
Wright’s sophomore album, Worth It All, was released in April of this year.
