Cliff Newsome is in need of a kidney.

By Shari Benyousky
Guest Columnist

WARSAW — Cliff Newsome has spent 40 years grinding tools at Zimmer, a lifetime hunting elk and quail, and decades competing with young athletes on Indiana basketball courts, but his toughest challenge yet isn’t something he can outwork or outshoot.

At 16% kidney function, his body is failing him. Now, the man who taught so many about grit, whether in the workshop, on the court, or by leading Sunday school class, is asking for one thing: a chance to keep going.

The Man Behind the Mounts

If you walk into Cliff and Lesa’s home, you’ll see several things immediately: the European-mounted elk skulls, the shoulder-mounted elk that Lesa puts Rudolph ornaments on at Christmas to bug Cliff, photos of their grandkids, and pickleball paddles. “That game makes me feel young,” Cliff laughs.

Outside the home, the couple is just as active. For decades, they’ve been devoted members of Atwood Otterbein Church, where Cliff has quietly served in countless ways, teaching Sunday school, mowing the church lawn for 20 years, and even leading as chairman of committees. Faith and fellowship have long been cornerstones of their lives. But behind his kind humor and tireless community spirit is a harsh reality: Cliff’s kidneys are shutting down, choked by mysterious scar tissue no doctor can explain.

A Kentucky-born, Indiana-raised member of the Sevastopol Superstars, Cliff has always been a competitor. He’s the guy who’ll out-fish you at the lake. Bluegill is his favorite because red meat is off the menu now. He’ll also out-hustle you on the pickleball court and still have time to mentor everyone. But these days, he must be extra careful.

Why This Isn’t Just About Cliff

True to form, Cliff insists his story isn’t unique. There are thousands like him on the waiting list, people who just need one person to say ‘yes.’ He’s right. Living donors save lives every day, and modern surgery makes it safer than many think. Fun fact: You can live perfectly healthy with one kidney; just ask the 100,000+ donors who’ve done it.

How You Can Help

Cliff isn’t asking for pity. He’s asking for action:

• Consider donating. Even testing as a match could inspire others.
• Share his story. Someone out there might be his miracle, or another patient’s.
• Learn more. Visit Cliff’s prospective donor site or join Cliff’s Facebook support group, Cliff Needs a Kidney!
• Eat: Join Josh Grill and David Thieme of World Compassion Network and the Winona Lake Sunset Pickleball Tournament as they eat for Cliff on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Hacienda and/or frozen yogurt at Ritters. Use the coupon below for Hacienda and 20% of your bill will support Cliff’s journey. Just mention World Compassion at Ritters.

Cliff’s Last Shot

Cliff just wants to see his grandkids graduate. He just wants to hunt one more elk season and keep ‘schooling’ players at pickleball. But Cliff says quietly, “And if I can’t, maybe my story helps the next guy.”

Do you know of an interesting place, restaurant, nonprofit, or person that you’d like to see featured in Diners and Dives or Banter? Send Shari Benyousky of SB Communications LLC an email [email protected].