Kickin' It for a Kidney

One in 8 South Carolinians has chronic kidney disease and South Carolina is fifth in the nation with the number of patients on dialysis. One of those patients on dialysis is local Cougars radio commentator and television talk show host Everett German. But the time has come for Everett to receive a kidney, and to make that possible, he must raise the funds to pay for the kidney transplant.  So on Sunday, May 15, the community is coming together at Joseph P. Riley Stadium from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. to help this local sports notable raise funds for his upcoming kidney transplant at the Kickin’ It for A Kidney benefit. The event is open to the public and admission is $20.00. 

Kickin’ It For a Kidney will have something for everyone including food and beverages, music, jump castles, giveaways and a silent auction with proceeds benefitting the transplant surgery for this father of two.  The group, “Friends of E” created the event after realizing how close German is to the transplant but still in dire need of the funds to make it happen, “Everett does so much for the community, that it’s our turn to return the favor.  We want everyone who knows him and even those who don’t, to come together and help him the ways he’s helped so many.” said Bobby Hartin, host of Fan Talk on ESPN Radio 910am and former co-host with German. 

Kidney Disease Statistics from the National Kidney Foundation 

-South Carolina is, per capita, fifth in the nation with the number of patients on dialysis.

-Nearly 1,000 people are on the organ donor waiting list in South Carolina, 93% of those are waiting for a kidney or kidney and pancreas transplant.

-1 in 8 South Carolinians has chronic kidney disease (CKD) 

-Three out of four of those waiting for a kidney are African-American, and South Carolina ranks second in the nation in the need for organs among African-Americans.

More About Everett German 

Everett German known as “E” or “E-Dog, Grew up in Mount Pleasant, he is a graduate of Wando High School and The College of Charleston. First and foremost Everett is a Family Man, Married to wife Megan and is a father of two children, a 15-year-old son, Corey, who goes to West Ashley High School and a 3-year-old daughter named Amara. 

  “E” has become one of the most popular faces in the Lowcountry sports arena. He can be seen and heard at every College of Charleston basketball game adding his spice to the action as the color commentator for the College of Charleston Radio Network. And when he’s not courtside, he works full time as an advertising account executive at Comcast Spotlight and hosts a weekly sports show, “The Dog Pound” with Bobby Hartin on Comcast C2. He is also The Former co-host of Fan Talk with Bobby Hartin on ESPN Radio. Amongst his Jobs, he also finds plenty of time for the community. He has been involved with the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department, Directing and Coaching Youth AAU Basketball and is A former member of The Charleston Metro Sports Council.  There’s never a dull moment in the Life of Everett, but right when it seemed he had it all, it’s not all fun and games when it came to his health. 

Everett had become ill a few years back and went to the doctor to see what could possibly be wrong and the Doctor had discovered and informed him that he had only 12% of a functioning kidney. As a wakeup call to his health, Everett needed to change his life style, and quick, or a transplant would be necessary.  Everett followed the doctor’s orders by taking medications, as well as watching his diet and exercising in efforts to gain back his health. Everett thought he had been doing well, until he went in for a checkup.  The doctor had then informed him that his kidney function had fallen to 5% at this point he was immediately ordered to start dialysis and to begin preparations for a transplant. Unlike many, Everett is lucky; both his two sisters are matches.  This was great news for Everett, Megan and the kids. While learning about the process and preparing for the transplant, Everett and Megan also learned the cost of the surgery after insurance. 

Hope to see everyone at this weekend's event!