My Kidney Donation Story: Cody Perkins

In early February of 2025, I was at the liquor store buying some beer, and I saw a poster at the cash register telling the story of a woman who needed a kidney. I thought to myself, good grief, I’ve got two and I only need one. So I signed up.  

I still have that beer in my fridge—I bought it and never touched it. As soon as I heard from the National Kidney Registry that they had received my application and were going to evaluate me, I decided I was going to give them the best kidney I could give.  

For the blood work, the NKR sent a phlebotomist to my job. I am a tow truck driver, so I got my blood drawn in the mechanic shop.  

I got the results that I wasn’t a match for her. I was kind of bummed—I really wanted to help her. I had never met her, but the story on that poster just touched me.  

The transplant coordinator told me I could still help her by donating through the Voucher Program, where I would donate to someone else and give her a voucher that would bump her to the top of the list. I said, “Well why are we still talking about it? Let’s do it!” 

I got my labs done in Denver, where they took about 19 vials of blood and did all the chest x-rays and everything else. I was given the preliminary green light that day, that I appeared to be a good candidate to move forward.  

Around the first part of June, I finally got all the blood work and testing done. I was approved, and my surgery was set for July 17, 2025. Once I finally received the word that I could donate, I decided to reach out to my intended recipient. I contacted her on Facebook. I said, “I know you don’t know me, but I am giving you a voucher and I have been scheduled for surgery.” We hit it off right away.  

After my surgery, we went and had lunch together. It was so amazing to finally be able to meet face to face. What a humbling experience that was. She and her husband are such amazing people. She has not had her transplant yet, but they expect it to happen before Christmas.  

I used Donor Shield to cover my missed wages, and I also filed with the National Living Donor Association, and they covered all my travel, lodging, and food while I was in Denver for my surgery. 

My recovery has been amazing. My incision has completely healed. I’m a little tired, but other than that, I feel great. Honestly, if I had another kidney that I could give away, I would do it again.  

To anyone considering kidney donation, I would say absolutely sign up. Don’t hesitate—there are so many people waiting for a kidney right now.

About the Author

Cody Perkins grew up primarily in Pueblo and Durango, Colorado, alongside his younger sister, Cortny. From an early age, Cody developed a passion for animals—especially poultry—thanks to the influence of his Grandpa Ralph. This love led to his first entrepreneurial venture: a mini hatchery. Over the years, he has hatched and raised thousands of birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail, and peafowl. In high school, Cody was selected to travel abroad as a student ambassador, visiting England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The experience broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for cultural diversity and travel. Cody has worked in the trucking industry for over 12 years, gaining experience with a wide range of vehicles. He currently serves as a heavy wrecker tow truck operator—a demanding, hands-on role that suits his resilient and hardworking nature. He lives in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, with his husband, Ron Bogs, and their six beloved dogs. Outside of work, Cody enjoys bowling, baking, cooking, and woodworking. A true outdoorsman, he finds joy in hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping—especially when shared with family. On July 17, 2025, Cody made a life-changing decision by becoming a living kidney donor. Since then, he has made it his mission to raise awareness about the importance of living organ donation. He is passionate about educating others on how they, too, can become a lifesaver for someone in need. With countless individuals still waiting for life-saving transplants, Cody hopes his story inspires others to consider giving the ultimate gift.