In 2021 I donated my kidney to a stranger. Giving away a piece of myself knowing that it will change someone’s life that changed me. At times I feel this may have changed me more than it changed the recipient. This is something I carry with me every day. I have always felt that the hardest part about being a living donor, it is a gift you can only give once. If I had more kidneys to give, I would. I went on to donate 63% of my liver to a stranger in 2024. Now that I am a two-time living donor, the surgeon said I am done doing living donation. Whenever I hear someone is on the wait list, I wish I could give again. Now that giving another organ is off the table I advocate.   

What is Rim to Rim? The hike covers over 24 miles and more than 10,000 feet of elevation change from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We will be completing this in one day.

Why am I hiking it? The goal is to show that living organ donors can accomplish any physical challenge that could be achieved by a person with two kidneys.

We are fundraising to promote awareness and raise funds for the many educational, sponsorship, and advocacy programs KDA offers those considering donation or post donation.

Currently, there are nearly 100,000 people on the waiting list in the United States in need of a kidney. With an average wait time of three to five years for a transplant, 13 of them die every day. Increasing the number of living donations would significantly reduce the number of unnecessary deaths from kidney failure, as kidneys from living donors last, on average, 50% longer than those from deceased 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!
• Follow: Track my training progress on Instagram 2xlivingdonor

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!