South Carolina Man Needs Organ Transplant

IRMO, SC -- A South Carolina man says his one wish is to have the chance to see his daughter grow up. However, that likely won't happen without an organ transplant.

"The first one here is from my kidney transplant, and the second one here is from my pancreas transplant," said Jason Smith as he showed us his scars from past surgeries.

From the outside, you can clearly see Jason Smith has endured a lot of physical pain, but it's what he's had to deal with inside that isn't as visible.

"It's been rough. After my first surgery I probably should have went and consulted with a counselor," said Jason.

A diabetic since the age of nine, Jason's kidneys starting failing several years ago. It has been a terrifying revelation for a man with a 6-year-old daughter he loves more than anything in the world.

"She's my best friend. She's pretty much all I got," said Jason in tears.

Last year his sister-in-law stepped up by giving him one of her kidneys. "I didn't know how much I cared about him until this event happened," said Nichol Hare.

Jason's new kidney is fine for now, but unfortunately he's having problems with his pancreas.

"He needs a new pancreas. He needs it to protect his kidney and ultimately protect his life," said Hare.

Without a new pancreas his life expectancy decreases dramatically. Thankfully despite just being put on the donor list in May the family is already at a promising point.

"I'm at the top of the list now, so I'm just waiting anyday for the call," said Jason.

Now as he waits, his church is putting together a fundraiser to help pay for his surgery. He says the hospital has told him they won't do the surgery unless he pays $3,000 first. It's money he says he doesn't have. The procedure will give him the chance to experience a full life with his daughter, and as he prays that's all he asks.

"I pray that nothing happens to me, that I just get to come home to my daughter," said Jason.

If you are interested in donating, you can send a check made out to Hope Lutheran Church at 1400 Kennerly Road, Irmo, South Carolina 29063.