Mary Nixon, recipient at this year’s Randy Smith Memorial event, awaits donor testing and finalizes fundraising efforts
When the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic was first created in 1995, its mission was simple: support families in the tradeshow industry who are facing personal tragedy or serious medical hardship. Over the years, the “Big Randy” has become more than just a fundraiser. It is a reminder that behind every exhibit booth and show floor, there are real people who look out for one another.
This year, one of those people is Mary Nixon.
Mary was honored at the 31st Annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic for her strength and perseverance while battling Stage 5 renal failure, the most advanced form of chronic kidney disease. Caused by polycystic kidney disease, her condition has progressed to the point that a kidney transplant is her only long-term option. Mary and her medical team are also preparing for the likelihood of dialysis and possibly an additional surgery.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, Stage 5 kidney disease occurs when a person’s kidneys operate at less than 15 percent of normal function. At this point, the kidneys can no longer filter waste and excess fluids from the body, making dialysis or a transplant essential for survival.
Complicating matters further, Mary has an O Negative blood type. While O Negative is the universal blood donor type, people with it can only receive from other O Negative donors. That makes finding a compatible living donor especially difficult. Two potential matches have already come forward. One was ruled out due to unrelated health issues, and the second is still undergoing evaluation.
Mary and her husband, Neal Nixon, are well known in the tradeshow industry. Neal has worked for decades with companies like 2020 Exhibits, leading projects in Houston, Atlanta, and other major markets. The couple married soon after high school and has been together for more than 40 years.
Now, they are asking for help from the community they have served for so long.
“I appreciate all the support I have been receiving from the Randy Smith Charity tournament and the people that I have met there,” Neal says. “It has been an experience of hope, as if I am not alone in this, and I can’t quite put into words what that means to me and my family; there are no words.”
The Nixons are in the final stages of launching a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses, travel, and donor-related costs. That link will be added as soon as it becomes available.
In the meantime, the family is asking anyone who may be willing to get tested as a donor to consider reaching out. Even if you are not a match, sharing Mary’s story could help connect her with someone who is.
To learn more, offer support, or inquire about becoming a donor, contact the Nixons directly at:
Mary Nixon – mjnixon77511@gmail.com
Neal Nixon – neal.nixon@2020exhibits.com
The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic was never about one day of golf. It has always been about the people behind the scenes. The ones who build the booths, manage the freight, install the lighting, and drive the trucks. It is about families like the Nixons, who have given to the industry and are now hoping the industry will give back.
The next steps for Mary’s care will be determined in the days ahead, following her September 29 consultation with the transplant team. What happens next may very well depend on someone reading this story.
