Cindi Russell's Personal Fundraising Page
I'm raising money for Kidney Donor Athletes, Inc.!
It’s never too late to change a life! I donated my kidney on 9/11/25, and it’s been one of the most powerful decisions I’ve ever made. While going through the process of living donation, I came across the Kidney Donor Athletes website. The athletes' stories inspired me to become part of the KDA community so that I could help prove that living organ donors can accomplish any physical challenge that could be achieved by a person with two kidneys.
As part of the KDA team, I'm fundraising and training for the New York City Marathon on November 1st, 2026! That’s why I’m asking for your support to raise funds for Kidney Donor Athletes, an organization that empowers living donors like me to stay active, share their stories, and inspire others to consider giving the gift of life.
Your donation will help support donor athletes like me, encourage future donors, and ultimately change more lives. Join me in making a difference. Every contribution, big or small, helps fuel this mission and inspires the next generation of donors.
Here's how you can help:
- Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
- Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!
Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!
$976.00
achieved
$3,200.00
goal
of your goal reached
My Supporters
- Maribel Costell So proud of you Cindi! 2 weeks ago $10.00
- Christine Fallon We’re all cheering for you Cindi! 3 weeks ago $104.00
- Polly Peterson Last month $100.00
- Victoria Menna Way to go Cindi, my P.E.O. sister and hero! you go girl! March 2026 $50.00
- Mary Beth Harris March 2026 $52.00
- Ora Heath You go girl. Your dedication is amazing and inspiring! March 2026 $300.00
- Christine Fallon We’re all cheering for you Cindi! 3 weeks ago $104.00
- Polly Peterson Last month $100.00
- Mary Beth Harris March 2026 $52.00
- Ronald Stouffer March 2026 $52.00
Running the Havasu Half + 5K "Lighthouse Challenge" for KDA
While in the process of qualifying to donate, I came across the Kidney Donor Athletes. The KDA sponsored for my "First Event Back!" I ran the "Lighthouse Challenge" in Lake Havasu, AZ just 6 months post surgery!
Andrea - My Kidney Recipient
Andrea's dad (Roy - Professor Emeritus) wrote a letter to be included in the Geosciences Weekly Roundup asking for help for his daughter.
Surgery Day 9-11-25!
After reading Roy's letter, I applied to donate! I wanted to share my health with Andrea so she could have a life without dialysis! We were a match!
Post Operation Fun with Family - and "Pebbles" the Komodo Dragon
My family was incredibly supportive! My son Thomas even loaned me his Komodo Dragon to use as an abdominal pillow.
I learned about my recipient at my new job in U of A Geosciences
After 24 years of teaching music, I took a job at the University of Arizona!