Ghanaian-American creative director Eddie Oppong has opened a new chapter after a life-changing kidney transplant on January 29, 2026, at the University of Chicago Hospital in Chicago, IL, bringing an end to 13 years on dialysis.
In an exclusive conversation with Abigail Grit of the Ghanaian American Journal, Eddie reflects on the bittersweet journey toward a life no longer bound to machines.
GAJ: Dialysis was a major part of your life for 13 years, how are you processing letting that chapter go?
EDDIE: It’s such a surreal moment, because i spent 13years going to dialysis 3 times a week for 4 hour sessions. So now to be told i don’t require it was bittersweet in sense because i made family and friends at my Northwestern Dialysis Clinic.
But it’s not goodbye, life after transplant has endless possibilities with precautions. Getting transplanted doesn’t necessarily mean now you are 100 percent healthy.
Believe me you are definitely healthier than being on dialysis but it comes with its own journey. Taking anti rejection medicine for the rest of your life, diet modifications, and precarious you didn’t have to at first.
But all this is beyond worth not having to be connected to a dialysis machine. In one simple quote, LIFE IS GRAND.
GAJ: You have a new collection, Flowers to Kidney Warriors that you will be releasing soon. Tell us about it.
EDDIE: Honestly speaking I designed this collection in November in preparation for March, National Kidney Awareness Month. At no time during this process did I think I would be releasing this collection with a new Kidney. The whole process is still very surreal to me, but it all came together with God’s divine timing. Getting transplanted and releasing a collection dedicated to Kidney Warriors. Using my testimony of a second kidney transplant to not only inspire, but encourage those waiting.
GAJ: What was the creation process of this collection like and the concept around it.
EDDIE: With this collection, i wanted to not only highlight the patients in battle, but the amazing Medical Professionals who fight alongside us.
Giving flowers to Nephrologists, to Dialysis Nurses, and so many more individuals that truly helped me through my journey of 13 years on dialysis and now post transplant.
These individuals are truly God sent, not only pushing for us, but in so many moments encouraging us, and making sure we don’t lose hope. So this collection is for everyone on both sides of the battle, we fight against Kidney Disease in unison.
GAJ: What emotions or messages do you hope audiences feel when they see this new body of work?
EDDIE: I hope they see the beauty of fighting, and that whatever their own battle is, they don’t give up. I want to be a source of testimony and inspiration. I endured so much through those 13th years on dialysis, too hard to even talk about but they all shaped who I am today. So when I wake up today, not having to attend dialysis, and with a working Kidney, I know miracles do exist, and God’s timing is literally everything.
GAJ: What makes this collection different from your previous work?
EDDIE: This collection is my first collection post transplant, it’s the first collection from Eddie with a new Kidney lol.
Just feels different in so many ways, and I’m so excited for the world to celebrate this amazing blessing with me.
GAJ: Do you feel the fashion industry adequately supports creatives facing health challenges?
EDDIE: I think it does truthfully, but the fashion industry is a whole world out there.
So it’s merely what you have exposed to you, and what you have access to. Some may not see, while others do. Brands do so many cool capsule collections around health throughout the year. But I can’t confidently say they push Kidney Disease as much as others. But no problem, that is what I’m here for.
GAJ: When are you officially launching the collection?
EDDIE: The official collection releases March 2nd, a little over 4 weeks since my Kidney Transplant. It’s my one month anniversary post transplant. What better to celebrate than to release my latest collection.
GAJ: What advice would you give to creatives battling serious health issues but still holding onto their dreams?
EDDIE: Hold onto those dreams, and find a way to tell your story through your creative outlets. Personally it took me years to allow my story to be told through my creative work. So do it at your own pace, find strength in it and keep fighting the good fight.
GAJ: Looking ahead, how has this second chance at life influenced your long-term vision as a creative director? What more should we expect from the new Eddie?
EDDIE: This second chance at life has influenced me to make sure the world sees more of me and my work.
Expect everything and anything honestly, no more dialysis ? New kidney? oh chale we outsideeeeeee.
Abonten keke! Ye Wo Krom Nkasa! lol
GAJ: Before we go, is there anyone you want to thank?
EDDIE: I would like to say a huge thank you to family, friends, to the University of Chicago transplant team especially Dr. Yousuf Kyeso for their commitment to patient care and making this achievement possible.
GAJ: Thank you for your time and we wish you the best on your new journey.
EDDIE: You are welcome and Thank you too.
Eddie Oppong’s vision as a creative has been transformed by resilience, and a renewed sense of freedom.
His latest collection captures that evolution, honoring years of struggle while celebrating the miracle of a second chance.
