'American Idol' Alum Scott MacIntyre Gets Successful Kidney Transplant From Anonymous Donor

Scott MacIntyre

Scott MacIntyre and his wife Christina announced today that the talented pianist and singer has undergone his second successful kidney transplant. The surgery took place on June 4th at Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville, Tenn.

The kidney was given by an anonymous living donor, one of several individuals who underwent compatibility testing. This particular person heard about MacIntyre's kidney failure on the radio and turned out to be a great match. Upon being released from the hospital, MacIntyre will require a six-week recovery period before returning to his music career.

Scott's surgeon comments, "We are delighted that Scott is doing so well with his new kidney and can get back to what he loves doing, singing. I know that Scott, his wife, family, fans, and the entire Vanderbilt transplant team are grateful to his wonderful donor who gave him the gift of life."

In September 2014, just three days before his latest album Lighthouse was released, MacIntyre was put back on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney. The wait-time for a deceased donor kidney is typically three to five years, a wait that would have severely hindered his music career, but because a compatible living donor was found, MacIntyre's surgery was able to take place much sooner.

"I'm so grateful to have received the gift of life through organ donation for the second time," MacIntyre says. "I am truly humbled that a stranger would give of themselves to me in this way, and I want to thank every person who offered to be tested as a potential donor for me. My wife and I have truly been blessed beyond measure by all the loving kindness shown by fans, friends, family, and the incredible team at Vanderbilt, and we are excited to begin a new chapter of life. This experience has deepened my faith and I'm so grateful that God has answered yes to so many of my prayers concerning this transplant."

MacIntyre's first kidney transplant was in 2007 at the age of 22, one year before he auditioned for American Idol, an experience he writes about in his autobiographical book By Faith, Not By Sight.

The dedicated recording artist and songwriter has remained active promoting the awareness of organ donation through concerts and speeches for many organizations, including Donate Life America and the National Kidney Foundation. MacIntyre's song, "I Am Hope," has become a well-known anthem for the organ donation community and is included on his Lighthouse album. 

MacIntyre launched a witty and thought-provoking iTunes podcast June 1st, with music producer Mark Dowdy. The show, 2 Blind Men, features the duo interviewing inspirational guests from all walks of life who are making a positive difference in the world. The podcast aired 3 episodes this month and will release a new episode the first Monday of each successive month, beginning July 6th.  

MacIntyre will resume his tour schedule later this summer. For continued career and health updates please visit online at www.scottmacintyre.com, www.facebook.com/ScottMacOfficial, and www.twitter.com/ScottDMacIntyre.

NEWS SOURCE: Bozeman Media