Forest Park man needs kidney transplant after weight loss

Robert White, a man from Forest Park, has lost 100 pounds through dancing. However, he is now facing a serious health challenge as his kidneys are failing, and he needs a transplant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people with kidney disease do not even realize they have it. In the United States, this condition affects about one in seven adults. At the College Hill recreation center in Cincinnati, White expresses his love for dancing. He stands on the track, watching the gym filled with people dancing. He can't resist joining in, moving his feet and rolling his neck to the rhythm. "No matter where I am," he says, "I'm always dancing." Sometimes, he even dances at 3 a.m. if he thinks of a new move. Despite his passion for dance, White spends a significant amount of time undergoing dialysis treatments during the week. He acknowledges that he once neglected his health, which led to complications, including losing sight in one eye. Weighing nearly 300 pounds at one point, White now proudly dances at a healthier weight of 175 pounds. He is determined to stay healthy enough to be eligible for a kidney transplant. His friend, Jenise Brassell, who leads the Metro Cincinnati Dance Association, describes White as a bright presence in class. She appreciates how he supports others in learning to dance. White’s enthusiasm for dancing brings joy to those around him. “Dancing means everything to me,” he shares, emphasizing its importance in his life as he seeks a donor for his kidney transplant. Despite his struggles, he continues to teach dance classes and lift the spirits of others.