Online Gaming Leads to Kidney Transplant from Marietta Man

Mark Grant, 34, of Marietta, didn’t expect to be minus a kidney at this point in his life, and in a way he can thank online gaming for sending him down the path toward organ donation.

For years, Grant enjoyed spending his free time completing missions with far-flung friends in the online role playing world of Star Wars Galaxies. While playing the game, he met and befriended Atlanta native Ben Licks. While the two had never met in person, they became fast friends.

Grant went on to spend 11 years in the military as an Air Force MP. Though he played online less, he remained friends with Licks.

After leaving the service, Grant moved to Marietta. He and Licks ended up working together at Genuine Parts Company in Atlanta. But soon after, Grant learned his friend was having kidney problems.

“He had massive cysts around his kidneys that were choking them off,” Grant said in a statement. “He probably should have started dialysis by the time I saw him. We could all see the change and that he didn’t look good.”

Although Licks never asked, Grant offered to be an organ donor. As fate would have it, he was a match.

The transplant was successfully completed in December 2012. 

“People ask if I feel different, but it hasn’t really changed my life much,” Grant said in the statement. “Really, I am just a kidney lighter, so I lost two pounds.” 

While not physically changed, Grant decided to get involved in bringing awareness to kidney disease and organ donation.

“I am part of this now, and I feel I have to get involved,” Grant said. “If there is anyone thinking about becoming an organ donor, don’t think about it, there is no reason not to. There are so many people who can do it and would be a match if they just step up.”

Grant participated in the Atlanta Kidney Walk on Saturday, June 8, at Turner Field. www.kidneywalk.org.