NATALBANY — Matt Taylor, a volunteer firefighter with the Natalbany Fire Department for over 30 years, is urgently seeking a kidney donor after a sudden and unexplained decline in his health.
Diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease nearly a decade ago, Matt’s kidney function has deteriorated significantly in recent months, dropping from 16% in June to just 10% today.
“In June, it was functioning at 16%. Four weeks ago, it had dropped to 12%, and by the time we met with the transplant team three weeks later, it had dropped to 10%. We have no clue what has caused it,” his wife, Hope Taylor, explained.
Although Matt has otherwise been in good health, doctors have told the family that a living kidney donor is now their best hope, as the waitlist for a kidney from a deceased donor is seven years. The family is asking the community to help find a match and possibly save his life.
“We are hoping to find a living donor before he’ll have to do dialysis. As long as he’s not doing dialysis, he’s still able to work,” she said.
Matt, known for his selflessness, has spent decades putting others first through his work as a firefighter and in plant safety. Now, his family is praying someone will step forward to help him in his time of need.
“I’m not saying it just because my husband, but he’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met–he’d give the shirt off his back for anybody. He’s been a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years,” she said.
The Taylors are firm believers in the power of prayer and are trusting that God will provide a solution. “We’re praying and believing that God is going to send the perfect match,” Hope said.
Hope, who initially tried to donate one of her own kidneys, was unable to do so due to her diabetes. “When I got to the question asking if I was diabetic, I had to answer yes, and it immediately said, ‘Sorry, we can’t proceed,'” she shared. Despite this setback, the family remains hopeful a donor will come forward.
In addition to their search for a kidney donor, the Taylors are organizing a blood drive to help alleviate the financial burden of Matt’s treatment. Donations made in his name will help cover medical costs, as Ochsner Health does not offer payment plans for these procedures.
“We were told that if people donate blood in his name, it will help reduce some of the financial strain. Ochsner made it clear they don’t offer payment plans—they want everything upfront,” Hope explained.
The family encourages anyone interested in becoming a donor or supporting the blood drive to visit https://www.ochsnerlivingdonor.org or contact Hope Taylor at 985-351-3441.
As the Taylors continue to lean on their faith, they are asking the community to join them in prayer and consider the life-saving impact of becoming a living kidney donor.
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