One Kidney Climb 2026

Rim to Rim Challenge

KDA is using this climb to bring awareness to living donation, demonstrate what is possible post-donation, and to launch initiatives which inspire, support and educate people about the experience of living donation.

Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Challenge, October 2026 –

In October 2026, a group of Kidney Donor Athletes will trek across one of the most iconic and grueling hiking routes in North America – the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim in a single day. The climbers are all members of the nonprofit Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA), founded in 2018. This journey will cover over 24 miles and more than 10,000 feet of elevation change from the North Rim to the South Rim.

Their goal is to demonstrate that living organ donors can accomplish any physical challenge that could be achieved by a person with two kidneys. This will be the second Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon climb following in the footsteps of the 2025 Climb. Overall, this will be the seventh One Kidney Climb. Previous successful climbs include the 2022, 2024 and 2026 Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, and the 2023 and 2025 climbs over three volcanoes taking place in Guatemala and the 2025 Rim-to-Rim Climb.

Not only will the climbers prove their resilience as kidney donors, they will share unforgettable experiences while exploring the beauty of Zion National Park and recharging at Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs.

This is more than a hike. It’s a test of grit, a celebration of life after donation, and an unforgettable journey alongside fellow kidney donors.

The group is fundraising to promote awareness and raise funds for the many educational, sponsorship, and advocacy programs KDA offers those considering donation or post donation.

Before the trek, KDA group leader and board chairman, Chris Sullivan shared why kidney donors join in this challenging experience; “This trek isn’t just about crossing the Grand Canyon – it’s about showing the world what’s possible with one kidney. Every step we take is a reminder that donation doesn’t limit your life; it empowers it. We climb, we hike, we endure – not in spite of our donation, but because of the strength it gave us.”

Currently, there are nearly 100,000 people on the waiting list in the United States in need of a kidney. With an average wait time of three to five years for a transplant, 13 of them die every day. Increasing the number of living donations would significantly reduce the number of unnecessary deaths from kidney failure, as kidneys from living donors last, on average, 50% longer than those from deceased donors.