Freeway

Type of Donation:      

Age and Location:      

Donation Date:           TBD

Sponsor:                      

FREEWAY’S STORY

LESLIE EDWARD PRIDGEN, better known as Freeway, is an American hip hop artist. He first gained recognition after appearing on Jay-Z's album, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia, in 2000. Freeway signed to Roc-A-Fella in 2001, touring the country and reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 at 24 years old with his solo debut album, Philadelphia Freeway. During the 2015, Made in America Music Festival in Philadelphia, Freeway felt fatigued and unwell. He went to the doctor and, at 37 years old, was diagnosed with kidney failure. After four years of dialysis, Freeway took a chance and accepted a kidney with Hepatitis, trusting that the medical community would heal the kidney. The transplant was successful and within days of transplantation, there were no units of Hepatitis detectable. In October 2020, Freeway's son Jihad Pridgen died suddenly, and Freeway knew all too well about how donation can save lives. Together, Jihad’s family made the decision to give the gift of life, and his donation saved four lives. Freeway's perseverance inspires others to endure, love, and choose the gift of life. He is not only a hip-hop icon but also a hero and champion in the donation and transplantation community.