Why I Walk

My name is Jen. I’m a mother, seamstress, gardener, and many more things. I became a kidney patient very suddenly after experiencing complications from the birth of my child. Blood loss led to organ failure which led to an AKI (acute kidney injury), and I spent the first two weeks after the birth of my child in various CCUs and ICUs during the height of early Covid. I was on dialysis for months, and given some long odds. But despite the damage and the long odds, my kidneys woke up. I was taken off dialysis. 

All along the way, my kid, “Bubbles,” has been my inspiration to keep positive and keep going. I hope that by sharing my story, no matter how hard it is to tell, it helps other feel less alone and raises awareness of AKI and kidney disease.

I know firsthand the terrible realities of kidney problems, and hope to pay back some of the kindness I have received along the way. I’m raising money for NKF because no one should have to worry about medical bills while receiving lifesaving treatment for this terrible chronic illness. We share a common dream that kidney care must be effective, affordable, and easily accessible to all who need it.