Paramedic Who Spent Life Helping Others Needs New Liver

Marvin Daniels' health has taken a turn for the worse. The 46-year-old is now waiting for a new liver.

In the early 1970s, when Daniels was 16 years old, he started volunteering at the Dunn Rescue Squad. Doctors believe it was through his volunteer work that he contractedHepatitis B.

"If you saw them bleeding, we didn't think about putting on rubber gloves back then in the early 70s," Daniels says. "I never thought it would lead to something like this."

The lifelong Dunn resident learned about his illness when he gave blood in 1976, but it was not until 1998 that symptoms started to surface. Last November, after working at the Harnett Correctional Institution for 15 years, he had to go on disability.

A.J. Albertson, a former state employee, is helping lead an effort to raise money to cover Daniels' medical expenses. At a State Employee Association Convention recently, nearly $13,000 was collected.

"If one hurts, then everybody feels the pain," Albertson says. "It just shows you the caliber of people North Carolina is hiring."

Daniels is overwhelmed by the show of support, but not overwhelmed by what has happened to him. He has no regrets because he enjoyed helping people.

"Even if it costs me my life, I'd do it all over again," he says.

Along with the generosity of state employees, Dunn residents have also had a huge impact, raising nearly $10,000.

Anyone wanting to help Marvin Daniels pay his medical expenses can send your contributions to:The Mt. Carmel Church Benefit FundP.O. Box 1381Dunn, North Carolina 28335