Marcus Moore, Jr.
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Family and friends of Marcus Moore, Jr. will be hosting a basketball tournament for the 17-year-old who suffers from kidney disease.
“I was recently diagnosed with renal kidney disease,” Moore said. “Before this disease, I was a typical teenage boy. I played football for the Madison County Cowboys, which I love, and basketball with my friends and cousins.”
When he found out about the disease, he was devastated.
“I felt like my life was over,” Moore said. “I learned that I would have to be on dialysis for the rest of my life and I thought I didn’t have anything to live for anymore.”
Moore lost 90 percent of his kidney function and has to go to dialysis three times a week.
“I didn’t think I had the strength to go through this at such a young age,” he said. “I just wanted my life back.”
Moore drew power from a higher source, however.
“I realized shortly after that, I needed to call on God in order to be that typical teenager and play sports once again,” he said, “but most importantly, to be healthy and live a long life.”
For Moore to have a kidney transplant, it will be costly and he and his family are asking for donations to help with the medical expenses. Family and friends have many events planned to raise money for the transplant. The first will be on Saturday, June 25, as a basketball tournament will be held at North Florida Community College. Registration for teams begins at 9:30 a.m. with tip-off for the first game at 10 a.m.
A prize will be given to the winners of the tournament.
Donations can also be made to a special fund set up at Madison County Community Bank for Marcus Moore, Jr.
“I am also asking you to keep my family and I in your prayers with the hope that we continue to have strength throughout our journey. Thank you and may God bless you,” Moore said.
Marcus Moore, Jr. is the son of Nyra and Marcus Moore, Sr.
