Why I Walk?

My daughter, Ally, was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS) when she was three years old. We were told that by the time she was 4 she would be in renal failure and need a transplant. Friends and family rallied to support our family during this difficult time including my late father. He felt helpless that he couldn't make Ally better, so he turned to our local kidney foundation office looking for ways he could make a difference. They were planning the first local kidney walk, so he joined the committee and jumped in to solicit sponsors. We had an awesome team called "An Ant-ser for Ally" with an Ant mascot because of the song "High Hopes" that Ally's Aunt Marilynn used to sing to her in the hospital. We raised a ton of money and launched a fundraiser that would benefit kidney patients for years to come.

Today, my daughter Ally is 24 years old with no transplant in sight (yet). It hasn't be sunshine and roses, but she is healthy and starting her first big-girl job as a kindergarten teacher (yeah I know - not a germ free job for a person on so many immune suppressive meds). This will also be the 10th anniversary of my dad's death. In honor of these two people, I am walking again in the Kidney Walk. I invite you to join me this Sunday, September 18th, to walk with me. If you can't, please support my team "An answer for Ally 2.0." We have been blessed these past 20+ years, but that doesn't mean she doesn't still have the disease and wont need a transplant someday - just not right now. Research on her disease is still needed. Research on technology, meds and treatment for transplant patients can not stop.  

Please consider supporting my efforts with whatever amount you are comfortable with. Any donation added to others CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.