Observed every year on February 14th, National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Author: Jeff
Jeff Derby is a husband, dad, and longtime friend whose courage helped change the course of another man’s life. After learning he was a potential kidney donor, Jeff stepped into the process with humility, faith, and a willingness to say yes even when the road was uncertain. Though the transplant ultimately became part of a paired exchange, his decision set a life‑saving chain in motion. Jeff shows up for people — whether it’s helping a friend through a medical crisis, encouraging others to learn about living donation, or simply being the steady presence everyone counts on. His story is one of generosity, conviction, and the kind of everyday faith that makes the world better in ways most people never see.
Charging Orders
A farewell to my kidney, honoring its 43 years of service and blessing its mission to bring new life.
Living Kidney Donor – Journal (All Posts)
These journey entry/blog posts from my point of view: This is more of a daily excerpt regarding our experience for that day to include: specific thoughts, fears, health and recovery updates.
Is this God’s Will for Me?
Seeking God’s will through kidney donation, worship, and prayer while finding peace and clarity in His presence.
Kidney Donor Month Update (S+1 Month)
One month post-transplant donation, healing continues with humor, strength, and gratitude as life returns to normal routines.
Living Kidney Donor: Why did I choose to donate? Worldview Response Part II
A midnight prayer in 2001 opened the door to faith, leading to a life-changing journey that culminated in kidney donation on October 23, 2025.
Back to Work
First day back at work brings projects, a donor award, and humor about scars while reflecting on the gift of kidney donation.
Living Kidney Donor: Why did I choose to donate? Reasoned Response – Part I
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to donate a kidney. It took deep thought, prayer, and a friend’s life-changing diagnosis to begin this unexpected journey.
Living Kidney Donor: Why did I choose to donate?
I have a two-part response, which is a general summation of over 6 months of inflection, investigation, and prayer.
One and Done
Reflecting on grace, faith, and the gift of kidney donation while celebrating Chad’s catheter removal and answered prayers.
Physical Status Update (S+8 Day)
Halloween brings walks with kids, better sleep, upright strides, healing incisions with glue, and steady recovery progress.
Adding Man-Card Points (S+7 Day)
Shopping with dad, earning steps and man-points, celebrating Kalum turning 13, and joking about teenage strength versus recovery.
Anniversary Present- Honey, I’m Home! (S+6 Day)
Celebrating 21 years with flowers, Scattergories victory, family joy, and deep rest after a long day.
Yeah, Overdid It (S+5 Day)
Graduated to sleeping in bed, walking 1.5 miles with parents, feeling rested, and enjoying family visits during recovery.
Quickening the Pace (S+4 Day)
Pain easing as walking goals grow, time off brings space for healing, journaling, worship, and waiting on Chad's release.
Prayers from Europe! (S+3 Day)
Walking stronger with longer strides, restful sleep, prayers from afar, and gratitude for healing progress.
No More Heavy Meds (S+2 Day)
First shower after surgery, pain easing, family and friends bringing joy, faith guiding healing, and humor in recovery’s small steps.
Heading Home! (S+1)
Five laps around the living room mark progress after surgery, finding strength in small steps and resilience in recovery.
Surgery Day! (S-Day)
Chad’s kidney shows strong progress as I prepare for surgery day with hugs, prayers, and trust in God’s provision.
A Chance Encounter (S-1 Day)
On the eve of surgery prayers surround us as a chance encounter with baby Noah reminds me of God’s presence and fills my spirit with hope