About Us

At 19 years old, Reverend Antonio Smith was diagnosed with diabetes. Although the disease was managed fairly well due to his active lifestyle through athletics during his early adulthood, his sedentary lifestyle and bad eating habits would eventually take a toll on his health in later years. Because of the impact of diabetes on his body, around 2011, Antonio was told by his doctor that he had kidney disease, something that was irrevocable, even with medicine. His only options were to go on dialysis for the rest of his life or to have a kidney transplant. Because he had lived with his grandmother, a double amputee who lived through years of dialysis, Antonio was strongly opposed to considering the option of dialysis. Instead, he hoped and prayed that a kidney transplant would be the solution. Antonio told his doctor, “There is a kidney out there with my name on it.”

When Antonio shared the doctor’s report with his wife, Pam, she immediately told him that she wanted to be tested before anyone else in the family and that if she was a match, she would gladly donate her kidney to him. Shortly after their initial conversation, Pam was tested. She was thrilled to share the nurse’s great news with Antonio. The nurse’s comment said that not only was Pam a match, but she was a “perfect match”!

So, on March 27, 2013, almost two weeks after their 27th wedding anniversary, Antonio and Pam underwent a kidney transplant at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Through the process of preparing for the transplant, local television station, WBTV followed the couple and captured their story. Their heartwarming journey of how the two of them along with family and friends went through the process was broadcast and went on to win a Mid-South Regional Emmy Award and the National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Award for WBTV news anchor, Christine Sperow.

Although all went well with the recovery from the kidney transplant, in 2015, the ravages of diabetes would once again knock on Antonio’s door. This time, his doctor would report that his left foot would have to be amputated. Once again, he rose to the occasion when undergoing surgery.

Today, Antonio feels stronger than ever that people need to be made aware and educated about chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because of their experience, Antonio and Pam believe their story needs to be told to the masses of people whose lives are negatively impacted by CKD. On November 11, 2015, the Smith Bios Group Foundation was started. The kickoff presentation was made at the Georgia State Baptist Convention held in Augusta, Georgia, Antonio’s hometown. Through their “Life Workshops”, Antonio and Pam are taking their message to others in hopes of spreading the truth about the impact of chronic kidney disease and its two most common causes which are diabetes and high blood pressure.

A change is on the way. Attend a workshop and take a “Life Pledge” today!

Our Why

Nearly half of all Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease and the numbers are increasing. Smith Bios Group seeks to bring awareness of chronic diseases by sharing the powerful story of Antonio and Pam Smith, a couple who went from tragedy to triumph while dealing with debilitating health issues. Their life-changing experiences of giving life through a kidney transplant, caregiving through dialysis and amputation surgery, and making necessary lifestyle changes are powerfully presented in a workshop format.

Offering their unique recovery story as a backdrop, the presenters will communicate to participants essential information about risk factors, symptoms, and consequences of diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and chronic kidney disease. These conditions along with an increase in poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are impacting communities at alarming rates. The presenters will share key tips and resources to inspire, motivate, and move individuals to live life to the fullest!

About Us

Our Why

Our Focus

Learning about chronic diseases and serious health conditions

Integrating healthier food and beverage choices

Focusing on being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight

Expressing and declaring to yourself…If it is to be, it’s up to me!

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