Nationwide — Keith Preston, a 55-year-old African American man who spent eight years on dialysis, finally received a kidney from his older brother, Willis Preston, 58. The transplant gave him a fresh start and inspired the brothers to raise awareness about organ donation.
Keith’s kidney problems began nearly a decade ago, leaving him dependent on dialysis. Fluid buildup made breathing and sleeping nearly impossible. “The fluid was choking me out to the point where it felt like death. I had to sleep at night sitting up,” he told WLBT.
In 2024, Keith asked his older brother, Willis, for a kidney. Despite fears about his own health, Willis decided to explore the possibility. “I’m thinking, if I give a kidney, what’ll happen if the other one goes bad?” he admitted.
The brothers went to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson for several tests. “Without the knowledge I have now and God being there, I would’ve turned back,” Willis said. By August 2025, doctors confirmed they were a match, just months before Keith’s remaining kidney was functioning at only 14 percent.
On February 17, the Prestons underwent a ten-hour transplant. Willis recalled the tense moments with doctors before Keith was taken into surgery. The procedure went smoothly, and both brothers are now recovering.
Their experience has inspired the Prestons to advocate for organ donation. They have teamed up with the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency, and Willis plans outreach events focused on kidney health. Through their story, they hope to encourage others to consider donating and saving lives.