{"id":10335,"date":"2018-08-31T11:24:24","date_gmt":"2018-08-31T15:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=10335"},"modified":"2018-08-31T12:05:37","modified_gmt":"2018-08-31T16:05:37","slug":"atl-staffers-determination-inspires-family-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/atl-staffers-determination-inspires-family-nation\/","title":{"rendered":"ATL staffer’s determination inspires family, nation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dawn Daniels Muhammad was surprised at the media attention surrounding her sacrifice to her father, Lucious Daniels.<\/p><\/div>\n

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By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

A will to heal her ailing father led ATL\u2019s Dawn Daniels Muhammad on a health journey to lose more than 55 pounds. Meanwhile, her altruistic efforts have garnered worldwide attention.<\/p>\n

Muhammad\u2019s primary goal was to donate her kidney to her father, Lucious Daniels, who suffers from stage 4 kidney disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad is the heart and soul of our family,\u201d said Muhammad, a 19-year veteran of the Department of Aviation. \u201cThe past 16 months have helped prepare me for this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

The South Carolina native knew poor diet and health habits persisted in her tight-knit family. Over the years, Muhammad watched as relatives developed Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy sister and I said a long time ago, \u2018We\u2019ve got to break the cycle,\u2019 the married mother of two said. But because of her weight struggles, she feared she could ultimately succumb to those conditions.<\/p>\n

According to Muhammad, her father developed Type 2 diabetes in 1980. In 2001, with a change in his diet and weight, Daniels was able to come off insulin. After years of good health, a back injury in 2015 prompted a steroid shot, \u201cwhich shot his sugar level through the roof.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once he became insulin-dependent again at age 71, doctors told Daniels that he\u2019d developed the life-threatening condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a shock,\u201d Muhammad recalled.<\/p>\n

While Muhammad learned her blood type was a match, she was prevented from being a donor due to her weight. At 220 pounds, she was told her BMI was just too high.<\/p>\n

In July 2016, Daniels began biweekly dialysis sessions critical to his survival. Later that year, Muhammad witnessed a serious decline in her dad\u2019s energy level and wanted to do whatever was necessary to help.<\/p>\n

The senior programmer analyst began solo workouts. \u00a0Three weeks later, she reached out to a friend who had lost more than 150 pounds with diet and exercise and was now a personal trainer.<\/p>\n

On New Year\u2019s Eve, Muhammad began working out with Tahara (@watchteework), followed a low-carb diet and avoided ginger ale, her choice beverage.<\/p>\n

Rigorous cardio, core workouts and monthly measurements kept Muhammad on track, but her true inspiration remained a secret.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew what my focus was \u2026 I\u2019ve got to see if I can help my father,\u201d Muhammad explained of her choice to become a living donor. After nearly a year, she\u2019d lost 40 pounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t share it, I didn\u2019t really want anyone to know. I wanted that journey to be between me and God.\u201d<\/p>\n

In April 2018, during a conversation with her father, Muhammad recalled hearing a voice say, \u201cIt\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s when she finally revealed her intention to donate her kidney. Initially shocked, her father would quickly embrace the decision.<\/p>\n

She learned on July 2 that she was a perfect match. A week later, Muhammad gathered her entire family to deliver the news in a heartfelt poem to her father. In response, they hugged, cried and celebrated.<\/p>\n

Muhammad\u2019s sister posted a message on Facebook earlier this month that reached Deidre Dukes of Fox 5 Atlanta, who then interviewed the would-be-donor for a segment<\/a> that aired Aug. 20. The story exploded online. On Aug. 30, the pair interviewed live on \u201cGood Morning America<\/a>,\u201d and numerous media outlets shared the original Fox 5 feature, including People.com<\/a>, NewYorkPost.com<\/a>, ABC<\/a> and London-based DailyMail<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With tens of thousands of views from the initial feature, Muhammad said, \u201cI never thought that it would get the attention that it\u2019s received.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looks forward to seeing her dad returning to his favorite pastime: playing golf. GMA host Michael Strahan even invited Daniels for a round once he\u2019s recovered.<\/p>\n

\u201cContinuing this lifestyle is so important,\u201d Muhammad explained, \u201cBecause I know that moving forward, it\u2019s going to be very important to eat healthy and exercise so I won\u2019t have issues later on in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

With transplant surgeries for father and daughter set for Aug. 31, Muhammad\u2019s message behind her selfless act remains clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can help our family and friends if we are in a better health situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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