Kristen Zumwalt: Her Father’s Hero

On October 15, Bishop Kenny English teacher Kristen Zumwalt became her father’s hero. Zumwalt, a BK faculty member of 5 years, donated a kidney to her father, AJ Taylor, a United States Marine Corps veteran. He had been on an organ donation waiting list since spring of 2020. In July, he became sick with peritonitis, an infection contracted during the peritoneal dialysis he was receiving at home. His need for a kidney transplant became more urgent by the day.

            Zumwalt, who was teaching summer school when her father became sick, immediately contacted the kidney center in Millington, Tenn., the town in which her father lives. After receiving permission from AJ to pursue the donation process, Zumwalt began testing and interviewing to find out if she were a match. Several weeks later, she was informed that not only was she a match but also that her kidneys were in top shape. 

“I’m happy that I am able to help my dad and help his condition of living,” Zumwalt said.

            Although things were looking very promising, Zumwalt’s journey as an organ donor would not go unchallenged. After saying goodbye to her husband, her two children, and her students in Jacksonville, she arrived in Millington a week before the scheduled transplant. 

“It’s scary because I had never had a major surgery before,” Zumwalt said to a reporter who interviewed her post-surgery for the local Millington media. 

With just three days to surgery, Zumwalt suffered a gallbladder attack, and the transplant was delayed. Heavy restrictions on travel and hospital visitations did not allow for her husband to be with her for the rescheduled donation date. Despite the obstacles, the surgery was successful, and Zumwalt’s mother was able to care for both patients during their recovery phase. By the grace of God, the donated kidney began working immediately for AJ, whereas many others who receive a kidney transplant must undergo further rounds of dialysis before the donated organ begins to function. 

Currently, AJ Taylor is recovering comfortably with increased energy and the ability to do daily tasks he was not able to do prior to the transplant. Zumwalt has also recovered nicely and has since returned to Jacksonville to her family and students. 

“Being a live donor was nice because I was able to choose who received my organ,” Zumwalt said. “To make it even better, I got to help my dad!” 

In a time of uncertainty, we are happy to share this good news and are thankful for selfless acts such as these in our community. 

To watch an interview of Kristen Zumwalt and AJ Taylor with the local media in Millington, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnubEPFQZ9A&feature=youtu.be