Local Nurse Seeks Living Kidney Donor to Continue Life-Saving Work

For Madison Teal, resilience has been a constant theme throughout her life. Born in Florence on January 25, 1997, she entered the world with kidney dysplasia, a condition where the kidneys fail to develop normally in the womb. Within days, she was in intensive care and later transferred to MUSC in Charleston, where doctors placed her on dialysis and began preparing her for a transplant. At just 15 months old, Madi received her first kidney transplant.

Doctors once warned her parents she might not survive, and if she did, she could face serious complications. Having graduated from the NETC nursing program, Madi defied those odds. Today, she is a nurse, working in pediatrics and in a hospital when her health allows.

"I always knew I wanted to be a nurse," Madi said. "Even as a child, I played nurse with a toy stethoscope. My experiences showed me the power of kindness and how much nurses can impact someone's life. That made me want to be that person for someone else."

Her path was not without setbacks. In 2024, shortly after graduating from nursing school and passing her licensing exam, Madi's transplanted kidney began to decline. What should have been a time of celebration with graduation, passing exams, starting a new job, and getting engaged quickly shifted into a battle for her health once again.

"It felt like my whole world turned overnight," she said. "I had just landed my dream job and got engaged, but then my health took a turn."

Madi now undergoes dialysis four times a week, four hours each session. Thanks to her mother, who trained to perform treatments at home, she has been able to keep a semi-normal routine and continue working part-time. Still, dialysis has dramatically reshaped her daily life.

A living donor transplant would mean freedom from dialysis and a chance to live more fully. "Living transplants usually last longer and begin working right after surgery," Madi explained. "It would give me the chance to be healthy and thriving again."

Finding a donor, however, has proven difficult. Several people have been tested but were not compatible. Her father, Wesley Teal, was ruled out due to kidney function. A nursing school classmate, Julianna Laney, was disqualified because of a family medical history.

Madi credits her fiancé, CJ Crowley, her parents, and close friends with being her constant support system. "I haven't gone through any of this alone," she said. "They sit with me during treatments, make me laugh on the hard days, and keep me positive."

CJ, who is also graduated from NETC this year in the Machine Tool and Die program, said supporting Madi has also inspired him. "Watching her push through school and work while living with kidney disease motivated me to keep going," he said. "She's the most empathetic person, always thanking us even when she's the one enduring so much."

For CJ, a new kidney for Madi would mean more than restored health. "It would give her the chance to enjoy life without restrictions. She loves roller coasters, but now she has to sit on the sidelines. Seeing her able to do the things she loves again would mean everything."

Madi remains hopeful and focused on each day as it comes. "I try to stay positive, lean on my support system, and focus on the small joys," she said. "I want people to remember that just because someone looks healthy on the outside does not mean they are not fighting something on the inside. Always be kind."

She encourages anyone considering becoming a living kidney donor to learn about the process, ask questions, and talk with a transplant team. "It is not a decision to take lightly," Madi said. "But it is also not something you go through alone. There is a whole team to guide and support you."

Madi has shared her story on Facebook, including a link to the Charleston transplant center's questionnaire for potential donors. She hopes that through awareness and community support, the right match will come.

"It would be life-changing," she said. "Not just for me, but for everyone who loves me."

Blood Type: A+
Hospital: Testing and surgery will be done through MUSC in Charleston, SC
Basic Requirements Include:

- Age 18+
- Be in generally good health
- No history of kidney disease, uncontrolled BP, diabetes or chronic illness
- Be willing to undergo several tests and screenings during the evaluation process and make a drive to Charleston, SC to undergo surgery

If anyone has questions, they are encouraged to visit the link below or reach out directly. Even if you're not in a position to donate, sharing the information could help bring Madison and others alike one step closer to a transplant.

Tags: College Community College Newsletter

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