Buckeye man pleads for kidney donor as disease takes toll on health and family life

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — A Buckeye man is asking the public for help, not for community service or environmental causes, but for a life-saving organ.

Christopher Regan has been on a kidney transplant list for the past three years. He undergoes dialysis four times a week, and his kidney function is now at zero. For Regan and his family, finding the right match has become a waiting game with no clear end.

Regan was diagnosed with kidney disease in January 2023. Until about six months ago, he continued working as a semi-truck driver while attending dialysis treatments three times a week. His condition has since worsened, forcing him to stop working.

“I took a downfall and my kidneys just stop working,” Regan said.

The average wait time for a kidney transplant in the United States is three to five years. Regan and his wife, Rochelle, say they have been told the wait for him could stretch another two years or more.

Last month, the couple turned to social media in hopes of finding a living donor.

While they understand the magnitude of the request, they say a transplant would dramatically improve Regan’s quality of life.

Experts with Banner Health say people with Type B blood, the same blood type as Regan, often face longer wait times for a kidney. They stress that finding a compatible donor can significantly reduce the amount of time a patient spends on dialysis.

According to medical professionals, about 800,000 people in the United States are living with end-stage kidney disease. Roughly two-thirds are on dialysis, while about one-third have a functioning transplant. An estimated 12 to 13 people waiting for a kidney transplant die each day.

Even for those willing to donate, the process is extensive. Potential donors must undergo thorough medical testing to determine compatibility and ensure they are healthy enough to donate.

For Regan, the issue goes beyond his health.

“My grandkids and you know, that’s the stuff I wanted to have more action with,” he said. “I can only limit it because I get so tired and weak throughout the day.

An exchange program allows individuals to donate regardless of blood type. While insurance typically covers medical and transportation costs related to donation, the Regans have also created an online fundraiser to help offset additional expenses a donor might face.

For now, the family waits, hoping the right match will come forward in time.

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! 

The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. 

12+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.