2017 Ken Howard

KEN HOWARD

Kidney Recipient

Age 64 ~ Pocola, Oklahoma

Retired Criminal Investigator

Honored by Trenton’s Legacy

Ken Howard was diagnosed with kidney cancer and severe liver disease after returning from vacation in 2009. Ken had the cancerous kidney removed and began the process of trying to stay alive long enough to receive a transplant. On August 14, 2012, Ken received a kidney and liver transplant, and was able to return to work two months later until his retirement in 2015 as Sergeant in charge of the Detective Division with the Crawford County Sheriff’s department. His donor was 24 years’ old and an amazing young man. Ken was able to meet his donor family through the process with ARORA and they have all become a united family.

Ken’s Story

I am 64 years old and had my transplant on August 14, 2012 at UAMS in Little Rock.

I grew up in Pocola, Oklahoma, the oldest of five siblings.  After high school graduation I enlisted in the US Air Force.  When I was discharged I joined the Fort Smith Police Department and worked in undercover narcotics, patrol, and SWAT. During this time, I also had a commercial photography business. I married my wife, Linda, in 1980.  She worked as a Registered Nurse at the time. She returned to college after our children were grown and obtained a counseling degree. She now works as a licensed psychotherapist. We have two children, Candace Byrd and Nicolas Howard. They are both married and between them we have six grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 – 12 years old.  In 2003, I joined the Crawford County Sheriff’s department as a Criminal Investigator.  I retired in June 2015 as Sergeant in charge of the Detective Division.  I worked on major cases and as a Special Deputy US Marshall with the Violent Fugitive Task Force.

I enjoyed good health throughout my life.  In 2009, after returning from a vacation, I felt sluggish and went to see my doctor. She conducted tests and I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and severe liver disease.  Having never been one to drink alcohol or smoke, this was a shock to me and my family. I went to UAMS in Little Rock for treatment.  I had the cancerous kidney removed and began the process of trying to stay alive long enough to receive a transplant.  I was very ill and had many close calls with my health for three years.  On August 14, 2012, I received a kidney and liver transplant. I returned to work two months later and continued until I retired in 2015.

After a transplant you experience a lot of emotions. Someone lost their life and my life was spared because I received their vital organs.  I wanted to know about this person and meet their family.  I went thru the process with ARORA and they contacted my donor family. My donor was a 24-year-old amazing young man that suddenly lost his life August 12, 2012, in a swimming pool incident. I met his family and while I was thrilled to have my life, I was at the same time very sad for the sweet family I have grown so fond of that lost their loved one. They are an amazing, loving family and we have all become a united family.  I appreciate all the wonderful work of the donate life team. They are awesome!

God has blessed me and my family so much.  I give Him the glory for this miracle and bringing us all together.