Mom waiting for kidney hopes to inspire others to donate blood

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Starla Simpson is a 27-year-old mother who works at Burger Study and loves eating healthy and going to the gym. 

She’s also a dialysis patient waiting for a kidney transplant. 

The Indiana Blood Center is hosting a family-friendly blood drive this weekend in Simpson’s honor and in honor of National Donate Life Month

“The only thing I’m upset about is that I can’t donate blood,” said Starla.  

That’s because two years ago, she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Soon after, she was put on the kidney transplant list. 

“It hit me, I cried for about a minute. And then I was like no, it’s going to be OK,” she said. 

She’s been on dialysis for one year. It’s been a difficult journey, but Simpson chooses to stay positive for her son. 

“He tells people, he’s like, ‘You know, my mom needs a kidney.’ He’s kind of like my little advocate sometimes,” she said. 

Simpson is advocating for others by pitching in at the blood drive. The Indiana Blood Center needs 500 pints of blood daily to meet the needs of Indiana’s patients. 

While Simpson can’t donate blood herself, she’s hoping her story will inspire others to donate.  

The drive will be from 5-9 p.m. Friday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday at Ashley Furniture, 733 Loews Blvd., in Greenwood. For donation requirements, visit the Indiana Blood Center website.  

Simpson told News 8 once she gets her new kidney, she’s going back to school to become a dialysis technician.