Former Colorado Buffaloes standout educating others through "Share your spare"

A dominate defender on the field for CU who's vision has changed in life

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

While scrolling through social media a while ago it was shocking to get the news. Former University of Colorado standout safety Bruce Young had just received a kidney transplant. Who? Well, passionate Buff fans remember the name well. The California native came to Boulder as a JUCO transfer in 1988, the first year your scribe covered the athletic program for KCNC-TV, now CBS Colorado, then “Home of the Buffs.”

The stocky strong safety also wore No. 7, the number this ol’ knucklehead used to wear during cherished playing days. It was impossible not to like the 60-year-old for his impressive play and personality. Bruce Young is a good dude. From social media posts, I didn’t know the California native was having kidney issues until reading a post of the great news Young received the gift of life a few weeks ago.

“When I left the University of Colorado I knew some markers for kidney disease were high but I gotta be honest. I didn’t really pay attention that much, gained too much weight and ran into problems,” admitted the All-Big 8 performer from 1989. “I was on dialysis for seven and a half years.” Now he’s got a new lease on life thanks to a generous soul. “My cousin was a match. I’m feeling great, moving around and can’t wait to be healthy enough to get out there and encourage others in the same boat.”

That’s the spirit of the guy remembered for not hesitating to stick his nose into the path of an opponent ball carrier or receiver trying to matriculate down the field. Young was a punishing football player. Today? He’s a passionate advocate for educating others to the dangers of kidney disease and the importance of folks understanding they can help.

“A lot of folks today don’t realize they can live just fine with one kidney,” says Young. Well buddy, Victory Productions and its “Share your spare, Save a life, Leave a priceless legacy” campaign is certainly trying to change that truth. Young and your scribe are two of the 100,000 folks in America out there in need of a donor, preferably a live donor.

“I could have taken better care of myself, no question,” admits the stellar defender who came to CU from Long Beach City College. “What’s your story? Why do you need a kidney transplant,” wondered Young during our phone chat.

Like most, Young had never heard of Amyloidosis and the rogue plasma protein’s fatal attack on my kidneys and the need for a transplant or life forever on dialysis. “Wow, never heard of that before. Are you on the list?” Yes, the list. It’s a requirement everyone must complete. Lots of blood tests, physical tests and psychological evaluation. It's a process for certain. For recipient and donor. “I’m getting ready to have peritoneal surgery to place a catheter in my abdomen and begin dialysis at home,” I offered. Young was cautious, “I dunno about that, I had two friends try that and the infection issue was too much for them.”

Sanitation is very critical for peritoneal dialysis. Infections can be quite debilitating with poor consequences. It’s also a real commitment: every night for up to 9-10 hours an evening. Basically, after this surgery, each evening about 8pm I’ll hook up and be dialyzed till about 6 am the next morning. Tethered to a tube, unable to venture more than 20 feet from bed. A good time to write and answer emails when not sleeping. “I couldn’t do it daily,” Young admits.

All that’s in the rear view mirror for a father of five who cares for a mother suffering from dementia and will miss up to three months of work recovering. “It’s amazing how better I feel and how grateful I am that someone shared what they have in abundance. It saved my life. I’ll forever be grateful.”

He knows the path forward will require the kind of perseverance and discipline exhibited back in playing days for the emerging Big 8 power. A new kidney is not certain to last, our bodies will fight forever to reject it and immunosuppressant medicines designed to counterattack this reality will leave No. 7 and all donor recipients susceptible to a variety of other health concerns.

The grandpa sounded like the stud player interviewed in the Buffs locker room years ago. “Game on.”