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Organ Donation and African Americans:Near Tragedy to Triumph

Myths and Misconceptions

Daru Smith was first diagnosed with multi-system sarcoidosis in 2015. This was the beginning of a life changing experience for him. Daru is one of the first two patients to receive back-to-back triple-organ transplants to replace failing hearts, livers and kidneys. 

Daru will discuss his journey and experience of becoming  a triple organ transplant recipient. He will also discuss some myths and misconceptions of organ/tissue donation in the black community.

Daru Smith is a former Regional Coordinator, Organ and Tissue Donor Program at Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. He is now the CEO of Daru Enterprise LLC. Priest, Motivational Speaker, and Community Advocate. 

Bio:

An aspiring business owner with a background in transportation from the southside of Chicago, Daru Smith's journey through life took an unexpected turn one December day when he found himself on the brink of death in a hospital room at the University of Chicago Medicine. In that critical moment, Daru transcended his physical existence, hovering above a surreal scene. Daru's journey had taken a dark turn a few weeks earlier when a persistent cold led him to the emergency room. The diagnosis was severe: not only did he battle a severe case of pneumonia, but he also faced cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body's demands.

Daru carried the weight of sarcoidosis, a rare autoimmune disease wreaking havoc on his organs— particularly his heart, liver, and kidneys. In the face of such adversity, Daru's story is not just a tale of illness and near-death experiences but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His journey unfolds as a compelling narrative of struggle, love, and the relentless pursuit of life against all odds.
Committed to personal growth and making a positive impact, Daru looks to empower others with his inspiring life story. Daru Smith continues to embrace new opportunities, & always eager to explore the limitless possibilities that life has to offer."

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