UC police officer searching for kidney donor

University of Cincinnati police officer Darryn Chenault is known by many in the university community as an energetic person who is always eager to lend a hand.

As a member of the UC Police’s Community Engagement Unit, Chenault has had a positive impact for many students, faculty and staff and many people in the local community.

More recently, however, friends and colleagues at UC have been missing seeing Chenault around campus. He has been unable to work due to chronic kidney disease. Now Chenault’s donor champions are helping search for a living kidney donor to help him continue living a long, active life.

Living kidney donations are beneficial because a kidney from a living donor typically begins to function immediately, whereas deceased donor kidneys do not, possibly requiring the patient to have dialysis until it begins to function.

The most difficult part, according to Chenault, is the fatigue that keeps him from maintaining his typical active lifestyle. Outside of work, Chenault is the Moeller High School assistant head football coach. He has been coaching high school football for 32 years.

"I look forward to the day that I’m not tired or unwell and can live my life to the fullest. A kidney from a living donor could provide me with more years of life than if I were to start dialysis or receive a deceased donor kidney,” he said.

“Officer Chenault is a valued member of our team. We certainly have missed his presence in the department,” UC Public Safety Director and Chief of Police Eliot Isaac said. “Please spread the word if you are able.”

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a kidney donor, please call Christ Hospital Kidney Donor Transplant Coordinator Bri Bronson at 513-585-1427.

If you have other questions or are looking for additional information, you can contact either of Chenault’s donor co-champions. Dana Parker can be reached at 513-295-2855 or danacparker77@gmail.com and Kennedy Chenault can be reached at 513-823-1957 or kchenault14@gmail.com.

UC provides organ donors with paid time off. Faculty and staff can learn more on Bearcats Landing.

Featured image at top: Officer Chenault speaks to a group of Cincinnati Police summer cadets in 2021. Photo/Kelly Cantwell