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A Boston community activist in dire need

Banner Staff

Despite nearly 20 years of treatment for high blood pressure, regular exercise and attention to his weight, community activist George Dixon, 50, needs a kidney transplant or else he likely will not survive.

In June 2010, The Banner interviewed Dixon about African American men’s health. At the time, he  had good news. Due to his focus on being healthy and active, as well as regular physical checkups, his personal health situation was relatively stable.

But Dixon recently learned very disturbing news: he has developed kidney disease, which is rapidly leading to full kidney failure. According to his close friends, Dixon is in need of a kidney and is on a list for a kidney transplant.  

Dixon has always had a strong sense of community involvement beginning with his years at Wesleyan University, when he spoke at the United Nations against apartheid. He now serves on the nonprofit boards of World Music in Cambridge and SCM, a company dedicated to providing transportation for the elderly in Somerville, Cambridge and Medford.

Dixon is also an active member of the Men’s Health League in Cambridge, a program that addresses health issues faced by African American men.

Dixon’s plight underscores a tragic reality. The National Kidney Foundation reports that African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population, but account for 32 percent of people with kidney failure.

Anyone with blood type O, who is interested in being a donor for Dixon, should contact Nancy Salonpuro, donor coordinator for the Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, call 617-632-9851 and say you would like to be considered a potential donor for George Dixon.