News Summary

Leon Chou, head coach at Pickerington High School Central, is seeking a living kidney donor amid his battle with polycystic kidney disease. Chou’s kidney function has declined significantly, necessitating a transplant or dialysis. Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful, supported by his family and community. Chou’s story highlights the urgency for potential donors and the power of community support during difficult times.

Pickerington’s Leon Chou Seeks Kidney Donor Amid Health Battle

In the heart of Pickerington, a community known for its spirited support of local heroes, a father and dedicated coach is reaching out for help. Leon Chou, head freshman basketball coach at Pickerington High School Central and proud dad to a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter, is currently facing some tough health challenges. Specifically, Chou is urgently in need of a kidney donor as he grapples with a serious medical condition called polycystic kidney disease.

A Closer Look at Chou’s Health Journey

To put it simply, Chou’s health has been on a downward spiral over the past year. His kidney function has dropped dramatically from around 25-30% down to below 20%. This decline places him at stage five of kidney disease, making it crucial for him to either begin dialysis or receive a kidney transplant in the near future.

Despite these hurdles, Chou has maintained a positive outlook, fueled by the belief in the power of community and prayer. He reflects on how vital it is for him to stay healthy, not just for his own sake, but also to continue being there for his beloved family and the basketball team he leads with passion.

A Call for Living Donors

Chou is specifically looking for a living donor for his required kidney transplant. To facilitate this, there’s an easy-to-complete online questionnaire available through the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center aimed at identifying potential donors. This brief questionnaire includes a few health-related inquiries, taking only a few minutes to fill out. Those who meet the initial requirements will be invited for further evaluation in person.

The Support System

Chou is not fighting this battle alone. His 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter pray for their dad’s health every night, showcasing the family’s bond of hope and love. Alongside their support, Chou has also recently celebrated being in remission from leukemia, an ordeal that tested his resilience and strength.

His players, especially sophomores Ruben Dajanson and James Smith, have voiced their admiration for the way Chou inspires positivity within the team, despite the ongoing challenges. The commitment and encouragement from the Pickerington Schools community, along with parents of his players, have created a robust network of support, rallying around their beloved coach.

Understanding the Kidney Transplant Process

The urgency of Chou’s situation is underscored by the fact that, as of September 7, there are 768 patients on the waitlist for a kidney transplant at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center alone. This means that time is of the essence. Fortunately, there’s also an exchange program at the medical center, allowing for non-matching donors to help others in need, potentially benefiting Chou indirectly.

What’s Next for Chou and His Family?

Receiving a kidney would mean the world to Chou, deeply influencing his ability to remain active in his children’s lives and continue coaching his basketball team. The implications of such a life-changing act extend beyond just medical necessity; they symbolize hope, community, and the incredible power of kindness.

As we share this story, it serves as a reminder of the strength of human connections. If you or someone you know is considering becoming a living kidney donor, it could make a world of difference for not just Chou but many others in similar circumstances.

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