Why I Walk

In 2009, my brother was diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder called C3 Glomerulonephritis. After years of steady decline of kidney function, he was eventually put on the kidney transplant waiting list. In 2016, after many months of testing, I was able to donate my kidney to him. I am immensely grateful I was able to do so. As of now, my donated kidney is no longer functioning, and my brother is waiting for new medicine to keep his disease at bay so that he will be eligible for a second kidney transplant. Through participating in the Austin Kidney Walk on November 6 (from a distance!), I hope to spread awareness about the donation process and help fundraise for more research for this rare disorder as well as many others. If you are able and are interested, please join me in donating to this organization and/or join me walking for this cause. Along with that, I am always available to talk about what it is like to be a living donor. If it were possible, I would choose to donate again.

FACTS FROM THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION

Right now, 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease. I walk because 1 in 3 people are at risk for kidney disease. I walk because 1 in 7 people have it, but most don't know it. I walk for patients, families, and people at risk.

I walk with more than 85,000 walkers from across the country to raise funds to power NKF programs that make a real difference in people's lives. I walk to support NKF's initiative, THE BIG ASK: THE BIG GIVE, which is looking to increase the number of kidneys for transplantation. THE BIG ASK: THE BIG GIVE's expanded in-person trainings are held at leading transplant centers nationwide to teach kidney patients, or their advocates, how to make a big ask; to their friends, loved ones, or community to consider making a big ask; of a life-saving living organ donation.

Join me in making this and many other programs possible. Donate to my efforts! Thank you for your support!