I walk in honor of my donor, Stephen Bradbury. My younger brother and my kidney hero. I walk to honor the team of doctor, nurses and support staff on the team that conducts the Tolerance Study. I am healthy and I am in my 13 year with my transplanted kidney! 

Our Friends and Family team has been walking in the Boston Kidney Walk since 2009.  Every year my family and friends rally around my team to raise funds to support the National Kidney Foundation.  

In 2007 I was diagnosed with kidney failure.  I went on dialysis and hope to be assessed for a transplant. I had my whole family of 9 brothers and sisters as well as many nieces and nephews get tested to donate.  I had friends step up to offer.  It was a stressful time but I felt so supported and I knew I was not alone. 

In 2008 I learned about the MGH Tolerance Study.  This study involved an experimental kidney and bone marrow transplant. The idea behind it is to "trick" your immune system into believing the transplanted kidney is native. 

On March 31st 2009 I entered an MGH operator room and received my new kidney from my Donor Hero and brother Stephen. 

Thanks for my brother's brave and selfish act and the outstanding transplant team at MGH I was given not just giving a life saving transplant I was giving the opportunity to live immunosuppressant drug free! 

My team raises money each year to help kidney patients and to help advance the research for the prevention and hopefully a cure for kidney disease.

Thank you to my friends and family who support our Friends of MGH team every year.