About 10 months ago, my daughter announced to our family that her husband Bryan was in the beginning stages of kidney failure and was going to need a kidney transplant. This was not unfamiliar territory for Bryan or his family. His mom, sister and aunt all had someone else’s kidney in their bodies. His mom … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Michelle!
On Tuesday 16 July 2019, my kidney twin, Jason and I, with both of our mothers arrived at the hospital, ready to change his life. It was an exciting moment for us. We checked into the transplant ICU in rooms next to each other and the process began. The first interesting thing to happen was … Continue reading Update From Kidney Donor Athlete, Varla!
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
