My name is Shayna, and I’m a powerlifter turned 1-kidneyed CrossFitter! My journey to donation started when my 24-year old brother-in-law became sick several winters prior. After a month of testing and hospitalizations, he was put on dialysis and added to the transplant list after learning his kidneys had completely shut down from an unknown … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Shayna!
I was so excited to get that call… I remember when I called my mother who was in Florida (where she lives), telling her that I agreed to move forward… her words to me “Are you sure”... I couldn’t have been any more certain of that. When you see someone go through a medical condition … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Jenn!
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!
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!
It’s taken the drive home today and a little perspective to put into words what went down this past weekend in Golden, British Columbia. I was committed to taking on a challenge in my 40th year and the Golden Ultra “Half Pint” turned out to be the perfect one. I initially thought I’d do a … Continue reading Race Report From Kidney Donor Athlete, Shawna!
I was born and raised in New York City and my passions have always been learning and sports, so it was probably inevitable that I became a researcher-professor and have been a life-long runner. My chosen discipline is genomics, basically looking at all one’s genes and how they interact with one’s environment to make us … Continue reading Meet Kidney Donor Athlete, Corey!
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!
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!
Can kidney donors safely run ultramarathons? I think we can do pretty much whatever we set our minds to do! Since my donation in December of 2017, I’ve run 12 ultras, which I admit was too much. Shortly after my 1-year anniversary, I was toast. I didn’t have the usual spring in my step and … Continue reading Race Report From Kidney Donor Athlete, Eric. Leadville 100!
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!
