2017 Reginal “Reggie” Arnes Griffin

ol_reginal-reggie-griffinREGINAL “REGGIE” ARNES GRIFFIN

Donor Family

Compton, California (Memphis, Tennessee)

Honored by OneLegacy at OneLegacy.org

Reginal Arnes Griffin’s mother Sheila became chronically ill while Reggie was still in high school. Kidney failure was the result of Lupus attacking her kidneys, and dialysis was the only solution for her to survive, strive, and pray for a miracle. In the beginning, Reginal’s father tried to go through the donor program and was not as successful. However, during that time they were informed about a program by Susan McGuire (UCLA donor transplant coordinator). She informed about involving themselves in a donor exchange. Within a year’s time, Sheila received her kidney on June 8th, 2009. Now, Reginal watches his mother as she enjoys life with time to see the birth of her first granddaughter.

Reginal’s Story

Reginal returned back to Compton, California to attend school for the remainder of his collegiate years. While Reginal attended high school, his mother Sheila became chronically ill. Kidney failure was the result of Lupus attacking her kidneys, and dialysis was the only solution for her to survive, strive and pray for a miracle. His mother attended her dialysis chair, 3 times a week for 7 years. During that time, Reginal went on to an Engineering Recording School Program were he became a certified audio recording and music production engineer.  Following graduation Reginal had his first child.

During the first couple of years while his mother was on dialysis, Reginal’s father tried to go through the donor program and was not as successful. However, during that time they were told about a program by Susan McGuire (UCLA donor transplant coordinator). She informed them that they will be involved in a donor exchange with other participants and that Sheila will have a stronger and better match for a kidney. Reginal immediately told Susan that they wanted to be a part of the program and within a year’s time, Sheila received her kidney on June 8, 2009. Now, Reginal watches his mother as she enjoys life and has been granted more time to strive and witness the birth of her first granddaughter who is now 4-years-old.