CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Five years ago, Hickory veteran Chad Carswell said he weighed over 400 pounds.
What You Need To Know
Chad Carswell has survived a long history of health issues, including six heart attacks, having both legs amputated and now kidney failure
Carswell was put on the transplant list at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Because Carswell refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the hospital has denied his surgery
Carswell said his weight brought on diabetes and a mountain of health issues.
He had six heart attacks, had to have both of his legs amputated and is now in kidney failure.
When he was younger, Carswell enlisted in the Air Force and was in basic training when the World Trade Center was attacked.
He says it's part of his fighting spirit to never give up.
When his health began drastically declining, Carswell decided begin hitting the gym and taking better care of his body.
He is down to 230 pounds and works out almost every day.
Carswell has dialysis three times a week and was put on a kidney transplant list at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
During one of his appointments with the nurse and surgeon, Carswell was asked about his vaccination status, including the COVID-19 vaccine.
All his immunizations are up to date, except for the COVID-19 vaccine. Carswell refuses to get it.
Because of his decision, the hospital has refused to perform the surgery.
“It's pretty simple. I’m not anti-vax, anybody that chooses to do it, as long as you choose to do it, because you think it's the best benefit for you. Then by all means do it. I’m pro-choice," he said. "That's where my problem lies, taking my freedoms away. Today it's a vaccine and three boosters. What is it tomorrow?”
The hospital responded to our questions about Carswell case saying:
"Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s policy follows the current standard of care in the United States, which is to vaccinate all patients on waiting lists or being evaluated for transplant. The reason it is recommended is to provide protection for the patient. Transplant patients are at high risk for severe illness if they don’t have pre-existing immunity prior to being transplanted. We understand that some patients may not wish to be vaccinated. In this case patients can opt to be evaluated at another transplant center."
Carswell says he is not backing down from his decision to not get the vaccine. He has already battled coronavirus twice, and he says he will continue to look for a hospital that will perform his kidney transplant.