Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Drake II.
Edward, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I hail from Ohio. I grew up versed in sports and even had the opportunity to pursue both football and track on a collegiate level. In addition, I have always had a passion for business and entrepreneurship. I am a creative soul who creates in the face of risk and uncertainty, for my purpose in life is to Inspire and Impact Lives. Purpose guided me to become the founder and CEO of the YNOTT? Foundation (Youth Needing Organ & Tissue Transplants). YNOTT? is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to pediatric transplant patients, increasing awareness about the need for organ and tissue donation, and promoting disease prevention and wellness in the community. Our organization educates pediatric transplant patients on the importance of staying compliant both pre- and post-transplant and seeks to improve their overall transition to adult care. We host many kinds of health awareness events in the community to educate youth on healthy lifestyle choices and other preventive measures. We seek to reduce childhood obesity and improve youth fitness and nutrition. Lastly, we actively encourage and promote organ and tissue donation in the community.
I was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease in the summer of 2006. It was during my sophomore year of college as I was pursuing a life-long dream of playing football and becoming the first college graduate in my family. During one of those routine physical examinations, the doctors were so shocked by my blood pressure level (reading 248/119) that I was immediately rushed to the emergency room. And on that day, my life changed forever. In the prime of my Life—at the height of my athletic and academic careers—I literally went from a college campus straight to a hospital bed. I had kidney failure.
During my three years on dialysis, I often griped and complained to myself, questioning, “Why me? Why now?” Then the man above placed in my spirit “YNOTTYOU?” Then it transformed into an inspiration, “Why not apply your survival experience into an offer of hope to others who are in similar circumstances of organ failure and other life-threatening illnesses? Why not teach them how to fight as you are doing?” Such a challenge emerging on my inside in spite of my pains! And through pain, fear, and faith, along with a passion for helping youth like me, I was inspired to form The YNOTT? Foundation. Success was given a new meaning.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It certainly has not been a smooth road over these past 15 years but rather a rewarding journey. I had to learn how to navigate running a life-impacting organization with no experience at the age of 21 while still battling my own health and psychological issues that our organization addresses. Once the Lord revealed to me His purpose for my life through what I was going through and blessed me with a platform (YNOTT?) to help others, my attitude towards my situation changed—and so did my altitude in life. I was elevated above the “me only” to the “you as well” order of life. I then stopped complaining and started striving to be a blessing to others. I never knew I, too, would receive healing from the same support groups I was hosting for pediatric transplant patients and their families. The feeling of touching lives along this life journey has been priceless. Success to me means fulfilling your calling in life and encouraging others to do so as well. This is what ultimately guarantees being happy and at peace in life—which should be a must for everyone because life is short.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about YNOTT? Foundation (Youth Needing Organ & Tissue Transplants)?
The Youth Needing Organ & Tissue Transplants Foundation (YNOTT?) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to pediatric transplant patients, increasing awareness about the urgent need for organ and tissue donation and promoting disease prevention and wellness in the community.
We provide a support system that educates and mentors pediatric transplant patients on the importance of staying compliant both pre- and post-transplant and improves their transition to adult care. We provide college scholarships and offer a family assistance fund that helps to cover medical transportation costs and nutritional supplements. We host health awareness events in the community to help prevent future diagnosis by educating people on healthy lifestyle choices and other preventive measures. Lastly, we actively promote organ and tissue donation in the community.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I feel the first step to finding a mentor is defining what you want out of your career and/or life. Successful mentoring relationships happen when the mentor and mentee are the right match. Reach out to someone you think you are comfortable with, who can guide and steer you along your path, and who will also provide great advice.
Contact Info:
- Email: e.drakeii@ynott.org
- Website: https://ynott.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrynott
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YNOTTCONNECT
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MRYNOTT
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9czNj4PrVj_UY8cD8SelTg
