DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A former Decatur police officer is asking for the community's help. Thomas Butts dedicated 30 years of his life to serving on the Decatur police force.
"My great grandfather was a policeman here ... my dad was a policeman here for years," he said.Â
Up until a year ago, Thomas lived and breathed law enforcement but now, his focus has shifted to something much bigger.Â
In November, his kidneys shut down. After nearly a year of doctor's visits, Thomas has started dialysis and is in desperate need of a kidney transplant.Â
"When I found out I had to go through dialysis and have a transplant, it's like your whole world is turned upside down," Butts said.
According to his wife Sarah, Thomas was deteriorating fast.Â
"He could barely walk from his truck to the house," Sarah Butts said. "He just had no life ... he wasn't doing anything."
Exploring all options, Sarah made a Facebook post to spread the word and help find him a kidney.Â
"I was devastated but you know what, he's a great guy (and) our kids (and)Â our family are 100 percent behind us," Sarah Butts said.Â
With almost 2,000 shares, the Butts family has found strength in the community's support.Â
"Sort of makes you emotional, when you realize that many people are concerned about your health," Thomas Butts said.Â
Other than finding Thomas a kidney, the Butts family has made it their mission to encourage everyone to share their spare.Â
"We don't want anyone to have to go through this, " Sarah Butts added.
Anyone interested in being a donor for Thomas can call 1-314-362-5365. Make sure to press option number two, give the name Thomas Butts and a transplant coordinator will guide the rest of the process.
For more information on how to donate a kidney to Thomas, read Sarah's full Facebook post below.Â
