I’m thrilled to be participating in One Kidney Climb Kilimanjaro 2026, a fundraiser supporting Kidney Donor Athletes, Inc.! Myself and 15 other kidney donors will spend several days climbing to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, with plans to summit on World Kidney Day! Our mission is to share that living donation doesn't slow you down- you can still lead an active, healthy life with one kidney!

I donated my right kidney to a stranger on January 23, 2024, after reading a news article about a 4 year old boy who desperately needed a transplant and was searching for a living donor. After vigorous testing, I learned that while I was approved to donate, I was not a match for the child. I chose to enter the paired exchange voucher program; I donated my kidney to someone else, and in turn the child got put on the national registry list.  Within 2 days of being listed, my perfect match was found, and 3 months after my donation surgery, the young boy also found his match and received his life-saving kidney transplant. In the year and a half since, I've learned that both my recipient and the child are doing well with their new kidneys, and are truly embracing this second chance at life.  

Throughout the donation process, I learned a lot about kidney disease and organ donation. There are over 90,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a kidney transplant, and on average 11 of those people will die each day. Kidney disease is truly debilitating, but that doesn't have to be the end of someone's story! I am determined to share just how life-changing kidney donation truly is. 

I’m excited to share this message from the roof of Africa, but I need your help! Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

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 will be felt and appreciated every step of the way! 
 

Follow along on my Facebook page for updates as I train and prepare for this adventure by clicking the link below! 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578011100215