Macon woman needed two transplant surgeries. After successes, she’s looking to give back

After surviving two transplant surgeries, Macon native Candice Stephens decided it was time to look for ways to help others in the same situation.

That prompted her to launch a nonprofit, the Day After Foundation, which had a website launch earlier this month.

The Day After Foundation website showcases empowering success stories, educates people about medication, shares information on the complexities of organ transplants and offers options to find financial and emotional support.

Stephens said surviving transplants was her biggest success.

Stephens has struggled with Type 1 Diabetes since she was diagnosed at the age of 7 years old. She received her first transplant, a kidney, from her husband when her kidney functionality was at only 15%.

Organ transplantation surgery includes risks of rejection, possible life-long dependence on medication, and general surgical complications, all of which can endanger your life. Stephens was able to persevere through the hardships that accompany organ transplantation.

A short two years later, she was “lucky and blessed” to receive her second transplant, a pancreas, from a deceased donor. With receiving the pancreas, Stephens’ near 30 year battle with diabetes ended.

There are 103,223 and counting on the national transplant waiting list, and 17 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. The majority of patients on the list are in need of a kidney transplant like Stephens was.

“For anyone that’s waiting, don’t give up,” Stephens said. “Don’t give up. Hold on to the fact that you can get that phone call at any day. You just never know.”

Stephens, who said she was a private person before her surgeries, received an outpouring of support after her first surgery, after her husband posted a selfie on social media.

“It wasn’t until that moment that I realized, I think I have a platform here,” Stephens said.

Ever since then, Stephens has used her voice and her story to empower people going through similar experiences. Her support group inspired her to start the foundation after hearing their input and concerns about the organ transplant process. Even through her own journey struggling to find organized information and resources, Stephens could see the need in the community for the Day After Foundation.

“I thought about the best way to give back. And I felt like what we need is a one stop shop where, if you want to know more about what organ donation is and what organ transplantation is, come to this website,” Stephens said.

The launch of the website on Nov. 16 was just the beginning for the foundation, Stephens said. Stephens has her sights set on 2025, when she plans to build the foundation to a point where it can host an annual charity event and have summer camps that act as a mini support group for diabetic children.

Learn more about the Day after Foundation by visiting the group’s website.