Old running joke: How do you know if someone ran a marathon? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you about it. We’ve all heard that one no doubt. But on this site, those stories have cool plot twists! One year ago as I type this, on 7-13-18, I donated my left kidney to a man who … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Pete!
I have never considered myself an athlete. I don't join clubs or teams. I avoid gyms like the plague. I don't lift weights or compete against other people. I have been carrying an extra 20 or 30 pounds my entire adult life. Doesn't sound too athletic, does it? But, on the other hand, I … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Steve!
My name is Ashley Hoyng and I am thirty-one and live in Columbus, Ohio. I work as a project manager and am active in my community. I have a big heart and always looking for ways to give back others. I am involved in the National Kidney Foundation and Donate Life as an ambassador. Many … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Ashley!
"Athlete" was not a word that was used to describe me growing up. Although I participated in sport at school, I was most likely to be found helping the younger girls learn to swim than training with the team swimmers. I did make the first team in my final year, but as it was the … Continue reading Meet Future Kidney Donor Athlete, Varla!
Notes to self..... Well before my donation day of January 2, 2019, I came in contact with Ned Brooks and Lisa Emmott, two people who were very kind to me and supportive of what I was undertaking with my pending donation. I was then introduced to Tracey Hulick - ever heard of her?? - … Continue reading Time to Catch Up With Kidney Donor Athlete, Bobby!
For much of my life, I would say that I had a pretty casual relationship with exercise – I’d been a high school tennis player, and still occasionally hit the courts, but likely spent more time watching sports than participating…until ten years ago. For my twenty-eighth birthday, I decided to set an ambitious goal, in … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Stephanie!
My name is Emily Nowak and on November 2, 2018, I made the best decision of my life and donated my kidney to a stranger. I made a bucket list in which I wanted to help out a complete stranger. I didn't know what that was going to be and certainly didn't think it would … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Emily!
I feel fortunate that so many people reach out to me through Kidney Donor Athletes. I hear a lot from donors that appreciate the platform and community I have created, and I hear even more from potential donors. Now that I have been at this for a few months, I have noticed some commonalities. There … Continue reading The Often Lonely Road of Becoming a Donor
My name is Brian Glennon and I am an altruistic kidney donor. Donating one of my kidneys to a stranger was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. I wish I had more kidneys to donate. But since I do not, I will do all that I can do to spread awareness about … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Brian!
At age 44, a friend challenged me to train for a marathon. I was an occasional runner at best and an out-of-shape husband and father of two little ones. I accepted and ran/walked the 2005 Twin Cities Marathon in 4:18. “Never again,“ I said. That sucked. Completely absorbed by our careers, and growing family, my … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Skip!
