Hi. My name is Mario Whaley. I’m a loving husband, proud father, and grandfather. My whole life I've been driven to make something of myself to provide for my family, in a way I didn’t have as a child. To be able to say yes if my family ever needs something — which makes creating this video so difficult for me, because I haven’t been able to work for a while now, because I’m sick and in urgent need of a kidney transplant.

I was born to a mother who struggled to make ends meet, and I didn’t know who my dad was until the age of 40. Because of this, I started working at the age of eight — bagging groceries, shoveling snow and other odd jobs. Eventually I was blessed to have an adoptive family that showed me guidance, responsibility, and the kind of love that I always wanted in a family. To achieve that I’ve worked hard — for 25 years as a truck driver, auto detailer, and other jobs that took a toll on my body. Finally, I started my own successful business called Black Pearls Barbeque, which gave me peace and joy, but shortly after my life was turned upside down.

Though we don’t know for sure, my best guess is that my kidneys failed from having diabetes and long taking prescribed pain killers which allowed me to function at work. Never was I told my kidneys were failing, until 2023 when I had to rush to the hospital.

I have to do dialysis every day to stay alive. I used to be energetic — filled with life — and now I’m chronically weak, exhausted, and don’t have the stamina to do so many of the small things we take for granted. That said, I’m eating healthy, I’ve lost over a hundred pounds, and my family has been an amazing support system.

The gift of life from a living kidney donor would allow me to be there for them and return to work. I’m only 54, and there’s so much more I want to be here for.

I know donating a kidney is a big ask, but it would save my life. You can help me by sharing my story. Thank you.