Fort Peck Tribal Member Thrives After Kidney Transplant

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George Blount, a 67-year-old member of the Fort Peck Tribes, made a strong recovery after receiving a kidney transplant in July 2025. Blount had lost one of his kidneys to cancer in 2016 and was on dialysis for four years before receiving the transplant at a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. He credits his faith, the transplant team, and the support of his wife Candy for his successful recovery and renewed energy, which has allowed him to run for and win a seat on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board.

Why it matters

Blount's story highlights the importance of organ donation and the life-changing impact a transplant can have. His recovery also demonstrates the resilience of the Fort Peck Tribal community and the role of faith and family support in overcoming major health challenges.

The details

In July 2025, Blount received a call that a kidney was available for his transplant surgery at a hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. He and his wife Candy drove through the night to get to the hospital, where Blount underwent a successful four-hour transplant surgery. After spending four days in the ICU and five more days in the hospital, Blount remained in Fargo for two additional weeks for monitoring and daily lab work. His recovery progressed well, with his hospital visits being reduced from every two weeks to every two to three months. Blount credits the excellent care from the transplant team in Fargo as well as the dialysis staff in Poplar, Montana.

• In 2016, Blount lost one of his kidneys to cancer.
• Blount was on dialysis for four years before receiving the transplant.
• On July 14, 2025, Blount received the call that a kidney was available and he and his wife drove through the night to the hospital in Fargo.
• Blount underwent the successful four-hour transplant surgery on July 15, 2025.
• Blount remained in Fargo for two weeks after the surgery for monitoring and lab work.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Blount is now able to visit the hospital less frequently, with his appointments reduced from every two weeks to every two to three months. He is looking forward to playing in a basketball tournament this spring held in Fort Hall, Idaho.