Allen “ATown” Sherrod, known for spreading joy through social media, is openly sharing his health journey as he searches for a kidney donor. In a conversation with rolling out, ATown discussed his search for a donor, his challenges, and how he remains hopeful throughout this process.
Talk about when you learned you needed to get a kidney?
It’s been rough, you know. I got my very first kidney transplant at 9, and it only lasted for 17 years. They said I need another one, and it’s really been tough. Getting the kidney when you are older is hard.
How has this kidney disease affected your daily life? What does a day look like for you right now?
I have to go to dialysis three times a week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:30 am to 9:30 am. On dialysis days, I’m tired. I need my rest because this stuff really does drain you.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had so far during this kidney search?
My biggest challenge is trying to get people to come together and realize what’s going on with me ’cause a lot of people to say, where’s ATown at? Where’s he been? I’ve been trying to take care of this kidney situation and other conditions I go through.
What process have you been going through to find a donor?
I’ve been going to my doctors. If you want to become a donor, go to the link in bio on my Instagram. I am O positive, and I can receive a kidney from anyone… I also have a documentary.
Why do you think it’s so crucial that you take up this responsibility to spread awareness about kidney health?
‘Cause I know what I went through and what other people are going through. They need some people to understand what’s going on. Some people might be getting kidney disease, or they find out they have it, and they don’t know what to do. I can give them some knowledge about what you need to do and how you can take care of your health.
What do you think people get wrong about kidney disease?
People think that you can take these herbs and everything. That’s not it. I’m on a strict diet. I take some medications. When I get my kidney, I’ll be taking immunosuppressive medicines so it won’t reject the kidney.
How do you stay so hopeful and positive?
I lift my head up to God and say, God, thank you. God will put people through tough times as bad situations so you can come out and give him the glory.
What advice do you have for people on those tough days?
Keep fighting cause I’m right with you. I know how tough it is. What is done in the dark will always come out in the light. It is always light at the end of the tunnel.
How has social media helped you, and where can people go to help you as you go along this search?
I’ve been on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube with the documentary. I’m on dialysis, showing people how the machine works, how it connects the tubes and everything. I’ve been showing that on my platform a lot to get people to connect with me.
What’s the name of the documentary?
The Life of ATown.
Share your social media sites so people can find and support you during the search.
My Instagram is ATown_0705official, and my TikTok is the same thing. My YouTube is atown0705.
For more information please visit https://www.bjackfoundation.org/
