CINCINNATI -- Darci Gibson has been visiting restaurants, libraries, gyms, groceries stories and everywhere else she can in search of a kidney for her dad.
More than 100,000 people are waiting for kidney transplants, according to Christ Hospital. Thanks to social media, more people like Gibson are getting the word out about how living donors can help.
Gibson's dad, Alan Oak, was born with undersized kidneys. He's managed to live pretty normally, but his kidneys have deteriorated with age. Now that he's 71, Oak will soon need to go on dialysis if he doesn't get a new kidney.
"It's very gratifying that they're doing this, but they're also doing it for the benefit of a lot of other people," Oak said.
Oak said he wants to be there for his children, grandchildren and wife.
"He's been the one that's always been there," Gibson said. "He's loved and provided and is just truly a man of humility."
With so many people on the national waiting list for kidneys, many families have been advertising for loved ones like Gibson has been.
"I hope that people will understand that there is a need that so many people have," she said. "I hope that they'll understand that you can live a full life with one kidney. God has given us two kidneys but you can share your spare."
While Oak is still waiting for a kidney, families advocating for their loved ones has "been huge," according to Shelly Deyhle with Christ Hospital.
"One patient had 150 people call on their behalf," she said.
Anyone who is interested in donating a kidney can call 513-585-1427 or visit thechristhospital.com.
