Words from Linda’s friends and family.
I saw my friend Linda Powell recently. She gave me an update on her pressing medical need. She needs a kidney. I asked her about the many challenges associated with this. She said she has thought about getting on the list that essentially puts you in a queue of people waiting for a call saying a kidney has suddenly become available. The problem there is, when a kidney becomes available, you have be ready immediately for the surgery. Or, I believe, you go to the back of the queue. In essence, you become hostage to your home and phone, unable to travel for an undetermined, possibly very long time.
The next stage in this disease is when you need dialysis. Once in dialysis, the “getting on the list” part and staying close to home part is simplified. You basically have no other choice.
I see some people who need medical help doing TikTok videos, setting up web appeals and other stuff. That’s just not Linda’s style. Instead, she’s hoping an extended network of friends and others helping spread the word will result in kidney.
Linda needs a donor with Type O blood, positive or negative. There is also an innovative program whereby an individual can donate a kidney on her behalf even if they don’t have Type O. It’s called a “Kidney Paired Donation.” https://paireddonation.org/
This really helps shorten the time it can take to find a compatible donor. I learned that about 1/3 of all willing donors are determined to be incompatible with their intended recipient. In the past, that meant patients had to start all over with their search for a donor. This program finds those pairs of other willing living donors and recipients and does cross matching that enables donors to switch – essentially saving two lives!
Linda previously shared that she completed all of her preliminary testing and is an excellent transplant candidate. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting in touch with Linda, please send me a note. Please feel free to share this post. Until then, we’re all praying for her well-being and long-term health.
Ken Perrotte, Friend/Freelancer
I know most people think that their parents are amazing, but my mother is truly one of the most remarkable people you will ever meet. She has been battling with this kidney disease for years and she continues to press through even on her toughest days. Most people who meet her would never know what she goes through on a day to day basis. This is just a testament to her strength and will to continue to live her life to the fullest.
Even if you are unsure about donating a kidney reach out and get some more information about it. Help spread the word if you’re not interested you may know someone who would be willing to donate.
Jake Powell, Son
I first met Linda at an outdoor industry event several years ago. Linda immediately made me feel welcome. Since then we have become good friends through a shared love of the beach, travel, hunting, concerts, and Rick Springfield, to name a few things. Linda has become an important person in the lives of my family. Were it not for health concerns of our extended family, any of us would have donated a kidney to help Linda. If you’re at all interested in organ donation, please reach out.
Drema Mann, Friend
There are many ways to measure someone’s character. Over the years I’ve learned one of the best ways is how someone treats and lifts up others. Linda Powell has done that – both personally and professionally – for as long as I’ve known her. She is not only a role model for other women, more importantly she is a role model for the human race.
Richard Mann, Shooting Editor F&S
Linda brings cheer every where she goes. I so wish I could give her a kidney.
Samantha Mann, Friend
Linda Powell is one of the great leaders in the firearms industry and someone I’ve considered a friend and mentor for many years. I would give her my kidney in a heartbeat but unfortunately I’m not compatible. If you or anyone you know might be a match please consider reaching out. She is a wonderful person with a kind heart and a generous soul. Thank you for taking the time to read more about her.
Amy Hess Miller, Friend
The firearms industry is fortunate to have so many good people in it. There are a few however that are simply exceptional. There is one in particular that is not only a wonderful person, but a friend. Linda Powell is the epitome of professional while being genuine, kind and friendly. She is everything we should aspire to be in this industry and honestly, in life as well. Linda came forward recently and let people know that she is having some health struggles. The struggles are serious and she is now in the process of finding a kidney donor. While my reach is not huge, I would like you to consider being a donor. Is it one of the biggest things you can ever ask of a person?…yes it is. But it is also one of the greatest things we can ever do in life. To be selfless in the service of others.
Fred Mastison, Writer/Instructor
“Thanks for your interest and please share my search for life with others.”
Linda Powell