A Catawba County man who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine has recently obtained a transplant that will save his life.
Last year, when the double amputee claimed that Atrium Health had turned him down for a kidney donation due to his lack of vaccinations, his story made national news.
Chad Carswell shared via Channel 9 that “I was told I was going to die twice because I would not get the vaccine by the doctors at these hospitals.”
Carswell now says that his health has recently improved to the point where he is no longer required to have dialysis.
Furthermore, he also showed off pictures that were taken just after his kidney transplant at Duke University Hospital.
Photos of his mother, who gave one of her own kidneys to save his life, were also shared by the grateful man.
Carswell made it very clear that “I love my mom to death and she really saved my life. I would always tell her – just like I have from day one – thank you. I am just thankful that God seen it happen the way he did.”
That being said, however, the man was not certain he would get to have the surgery a year ago.
According to him, at the time, Atrium Health in Winston-Salem turned him away because he refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
In spite of the dangerous situation, Carswell did not back down, holding onto his beliefs no matter what.
“If you decide to get it because you believe it is the best for you, then by all means, you get the vaccine. If you think it is best for your family, by all means, get it. To me, it should just be a choice. No one should ever force you to get anything,” the patient stressed.
Carswell said that after already having COVID-19 twice, the procedure was still refused due to the policy requiring him to be vaccinated.
Back then, Atrium Health stated via the same platform that “The reason it’s recommended is to provide protection for patients. Transplant patients are at a high risk for severe illness if they do not have preexisting immunity prior to being transplanted.”
Carswell expressed his gratitude to Duke University Hospital for allowing the operation and for the support he has received from his loved ones.
He hopes that all hospitals will review their vaccination-related policies.
Faherty contacted Atrium Health to inquire about the policy and whether it had been modified, but hasn’t heard back from them yet.
“I’m still fighting the fight. My goal is still the exact same as it was before – I just want to help people. It is never about me, it is about God blessing me,” the man concluded.
