Timberjack survives Kidney transplant to Compete again
Dave Jewett, Staff Photo by Michael Williams
The Dave Jewett story is truly an inspiring story of an indomitable spirit of a man who simply will not give up and fights for life against overwhelming odds. Jewett is a survivor. Six years ago the world class timberjack began going through a period of time where he simply didn’t feel well. Then one day while competing in a timberjack competition he almost passed out.
At that point I decided to go to the doctor,” said Jewett. “The doctor conducted some tests and concluded my kidneys had failed.”
The prognosis was grim. His kidneys were functioning at 15 percent. He began a regimen of dialysis which took a considerable toll on Jewett. After almost a year of treatments doctors decided to perform a kidney transplant. Jewett’s father donated one of his kidneys.
Following his recovery, Jewett began his quest to make a comeback. With only one kidney, he returned began competing again in 2008.
“I wasn’t at my best,” said Jewett. “It was two more years before I was back at 110 percent. In 2010, Jewett finished in the top five timeberjacks I the country. It was a substantial accomplishment for a man who’s survival had been in question only a few brief years earlier.
“These days I feel great,” said Jewett. “I am doing well for 44 year-old man with a 71-year-old kidney.”
Indeed Jewett is doing remarkable well. Currently he is ranked #2 in the nation behind Arden Cogar, Jr. and ahead of Matt Cogar. Jewett will be squaring off against the two Cogars and a number of other world class timberjacks on June 7-9 in the Stihl U.S. Timbersports Competition at the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge, TN. Which will be televised nationally on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel. The winner of the event will go on to compete in Stuttgart, Germany for the world championship in October.
As for making a prediction on the outcome, Jewett responded: “I am going to give it 110 percent. Cogar is good and the competition is fierce. I am just happy to be here competing.”
Tickets are sale now. For more information visit the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud’s web Site at www.lumberjackfeud.com.
