Darryl Nelson

I'm Feeling Fine: Kidney Failure is Not the End of Life Darryl Nelson

Darryl Nelson was sent to Mogadishu, Somalia, after being stationed stateside with the Army's 101st airborne division as a maintenance platoon leader. He experienced strange dreams and nightmares, and in 1993, after surviving attacks in Mogadishu, he was diagnosed with kidney failure.

The next year, Nelson was forced to retire from active duty and was flown out of Somalia to receive medical care at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He had more encounters with dreams and nightmares. While receiving dialysis treatment, he was diagnosed with cancer. His kidneys were surgically removed and unfortunately, his twin brother was not a match for transplant surgery.

Nelson was put on a transplant list but was told he would have to wait two years for the procedure. More than two years later, he still waits for transplant surgery, but he remains upbeat and hopeful. Friends and relatives have come to know what answer to expect when they ask Nelson how he's feeling. He'll tell you, "I'm feeling fine." Nelson provides inspiration for others living with kidney disease and helps raise the awareness of close friends and family on the loss of an organ.