The story of how someone out there is walking around with a slightly used part of me starts back in 2011. I was driving home from work, listening to This American Life. The title/theme of that show was the “Ten Commandments.” That’s when I first heard Chaya Lipschutz’s story. I had been searching for something … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Sophia!
My name is Megan Anderson and I am a wife, mother, Air Force veteran and teacher living in the Seattle area. I donated my kidney on July 17, 2019, to a stranger through the paired exchange program. Up to this point in my life, I would say I was very active. While on active duty … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Megan!
Hello, my name is Danny Ledesma and I donated my spare kidney through the paired-exchanged program at UC Health in Denver, Colorado on October 10, 2018. Shortly after my Grandfather's retirement (I refer to him hereafter as "Pop"), his health began to rapidly decline, and doctors advised he was experiencing renal failure which would require … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Danny!
I honestly knew nothing about living kidney donation when I started this journey other than it was something that people did for their loved ones (I had no idea people donated altruistically either!). This all changed when, in February of 2018, my mom called to tell me that she was in kidney failure and … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Katie!
I donated my kidney to a stranger in December of 2014 at the age of 46. I am a bit embarrassed to say that the thought first came from social media. I had an acquaintance repost a photo of someone looking for a type O kidney donor on the back of their vehicle just after … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Lynn B!
I donated my left kidney to a complete stranger on October 3rd, 2017. I saw an ad on Facebook and I knew I was meant to be her donor. I answered the ad Memorial Day Weekend of 2017 and was approved by August! I have never thought of myself as an athlete before surgery and … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Kathleen!
In 2009, at 247lbs, I was the heaviest I had ever been in my life and although exercise had been a part of my life in the past, it was never something I could quite get to stick. I was overweight and overwhelmed. I’m not even sure I realized it but I was waiting for … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Jen!
For the bulk of my adult life, I worked hard at being inactive, however, it was really more of a will issue rather than anything else. At age 11, I became vegetarian and at age 31 vegan so overall I was a healthy eater – which is a stark contrast to being a healthy person. … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Rebecca!
My son was diagnosed with Alport syndrome in the fall of 1999. This is a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities. People with Alport syndrome experience progressive loss of kidney function. He asked if I would be willing to get tested (it was much less rigorous back then!) and we … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, John!
I am Leslie Premo and I donated my kidney to my older brother Bill on October 1st, 2014 at Boston Medical Center. I grew up in Vermont in a very active and athletic family and community. Participating in or watching sports and keeping a healthy lifestyle was always a priority. Thankfully, exercise and keeping fit … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Leslie!
