I’m honored (and a little fired up!) to be part of the 2026 Rim-to-Rim Challenge, supporting Kidney Donor Athletes, Inc..

This cause is deeply personal. As you may know a few years ago, I donated my kidney to my best friend’s sister-in-law just before she went on the transplant list—and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I get to hear about all the vacations she now gets to go on feeling better than ever. It elevates my soul to know I had a hand in improving her quality of life. 

Now, I’m heading to hike the Grand Canyon with an incredible group of living kidney donors to prove one thing loud and clear: donating a kidney doesn’t limit your life—it empowers it.

But let’s be honest… we’re also a group of athletes, which means there’s some very real friendly competition happening. We’re all racing to hit (and beat!) our fundraising goals—and I would LOVE to show up in October with bragging rights, and my loving community of support to thank for it! 

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!

Read the most recent press release for more information on this exciting trip: 

For Immediate Release
Date: April 24, 2026
Contact: Chris Sullivan
media@kidneydonorathlete.org
(303) 570.7374

Kidney Donors to Climb The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim
to Advocate for Living Kidney Donation

DATE 04.26.26 - In October 2026, a group of Kidney Donor Athletes will trek across one of the most iconic and grueling hiking routes in North America - the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim in a single day. The climbers are all members of the nonprofit Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA), founded in 2018. This journey will cover over 24 miles and more than 10,000 feet of elevation change from the North Rim to the South Rim. Their goal is to demonstrate that living organ donors can accomplish any physical challenge that could be
achieved by a person with two kidneys.

This will be the second Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon climb following in the footsteps of the 2025 Climb. Overall, this will be the seventh One Kidney Climb. Previous successful climbs include the 2022, 2024 and 2026 Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, and the 2023 and 2025 climbs over three volcanoes taking place in Guatemala and the 2025 Rim-to-Rim Climb. Not only will the climbers prove their resilience as kidney donors, they will share unforgettable experiences while exploring the beauty of Zion National Park and recharging at Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs.

This is more than a hike. It’s a test of grit, a celebration of life after donation, and an unforgettable journey alongside fellow kidney donors. The group is fundraising to promote awareness and raise funds for the many educational, sponsorship, and advocacy programs KDA offers those considering donation or post donation. Before the trek, KDA group leader and board chairman, Chris Sullivan shared why kidney donors join in this challenging experience; “This trek isn’t just about crossing the Grand Canyon - it’s about showing the world what’s possible with one kidney. Every step we take is a reminder that donation doesn’t limit your life; it empowers it. We climb, we hike, we endure - not in spite of our donation, but because of the strength it gave us.”

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.

More information about living kidney donation and Kidney Donor Athletes can be found
kidneydonorathlete.org. The video is available on the KDA YouTube channel.

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Kidney Donor Athletes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to promote the gift of life through living kidney donation
among active individuals and athletes by building a community that inspires, supports, and educates people about the
experience of kidney donation.