ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Eleven years ago, Atul Agnihotri needed a kidney. After receiving his transplant, the people he met during treatment who were still waiting inspired him to start his nonprofit, Kidneys for Communities.

“I went back to work, but kept in touch with several patients, you know, who were sort of in the same journey. And eventually I felt that, you know, I needed to do something for fellow kidney patients and helping with their journey, which led me to the formation of Kidneys for Communities,” Agnihotri said.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 123,000 Americans are currently on the transplant list waiting for a kidney.

Officer Quas’Jon Flowers with the Albany Police Department said Kidneys for Communities has helped him feel more comfortable.

“So they reached out to me whenever my story first got out. When they reached out to me, they explained to me what they were all about. They compiled of a bunch of people that are associated with kidneys in some form or fashion. So that gave me a level of security, you know, they understand what I’m going through,” Flowers said.

People in need of a kidney can sign up for support. The Kidneys for Communities team helps find potential donors while connecting them with others who have faced the same journey.

Agnihotri said it is meaningful when he sees the people he has helped receive kidneys.

“Very personal. And actually same is true with the Kidneys for Communities team, because each individual in our team has had some connection with the kidney disease. For all of them, you know, helping out the patients and seeing success or even supporting patients during their struggles is very, very personal,” Agnihotri said.

Kidneys for Communities does its work free of charge. There are a number of ways you can get involved with the organization.

To learn more, click here.

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