How a Golf Course Friendship Turned into a Life-Saving Kidney Donation

In the mid-2010s, Bobby Wadkins, a retired golf professional, went to the doctor for a routine health check.

“He noticed my kidney numbers were slightly below normal and referred me to a nephrologist (kidney doctor),” Bobby said. “I saw my nephrologist a few times a year.”

Up until January 2022, Bobby’s numbers remained stable. Then, his kidney function suddenly dropped.

“I went in for a regular appointment, and my doctor was shocked by my kidney numbers,” he said. “Next thing I knew, I was in a wheelchair headed for the hospital.”

That night, Bobby started dialysis, a life-sustaining treatment that removes waste and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so.

Watch videos made by real-life patients to learn about treatment options.

A few weeks after starting dialysis, Bobby returned to a familiar place—the golf course.

“I was on a phone call with my doctor in the members' lounge chatting about next steps,” Bobby said. “Trevor Hedepeth, who works there, overheard.”

Trevor had worried as he watched Bobby’s health decline over time.

“We’d developed a pretty good friendship before this. I knew something was going on,” Trevor said. “After hearing that conversation, I asked.”

When Bobby explained he was on dialysis and looking for a living kidney donor, Trevor didn’t hesitate.

“I immediately said I’d do the living kidney donor evaluation,” Trevor said. “The transplant center made the process so easy to understand. They walked me through every step.”

Trevor was working on the golf course the day he learned he was a compatible donor match. That’s when the nerves set in.

A devout Christian, Trevor sought guidance from his faith before making the decision.

“I asked my wife for her opinion,” Trevor said. “She asked me three questions: ‘Do you trust God? Do you trust the doctors? Do you want to help Bobby?’ When I said yes to all three, she said that was the answer.”

With that, Trevor made up his mind. The transplant surgery was scheduled for November 2022.

“The transplant center and staff reminded me at every step that I could back out,” Trevor said. “The night before the surgery, my doctor reiterated that they would even 'find a medical reason' if I decided not to go through with it. But I was committed.”

The next day, the two friends went into surgery.

“It went perfectly,” Bobby said. “The rest is history.”

Get prescreened with no commitment. Find out if you qualify to be a living donor in about 5 minutes.

Both men recovered quickly. Trevor was back on his feet just weeks after surgery.

“My recovery was surprisingly easy,” he said. “The hospital team did an amazing job.”

Nearly three years later, both Bobby and Trevor are thriving and still golfing together.

“I am so lucky,” Bobby said. “I was surrounded by great people and incredible doctors. I’ll never be able to thank Trevor enough.”

Trevor says he’d donate again in a heartbeat.

“If I could go back three and a half years, I’d do it all again,” he said. “It’s a simple act with a massive impact.”

Learn what to expect after a kidney donation.

Now Bobby and Trevor hope to share their story on an even bigger stage—the National Kidney Foundation Golf Classic. As a former professional golfer, Bobby says it would be an honor to represent his club and support NKF’s mission.

“That tournament raises money to help people like me,” he said. “To play in it and tell our story—it would mean the world.”

The NKF Golf Classic brings together golfers across the country to raise awareness and funds for kidney disease prevention, research, and organ donation.

For Bobby and Trevor, it’s more than a game—it’s a way to give back to the kidney community and help others receive the life-changing gift of a transplant.

You can make a difference too. Find an NKF Golf Classic Tournament near you.