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Emily Biondi, 22
Baltimore , Maryland
Emily Biondi lost her wisdom teeth and gained back her life. Three years ago, during a routine wisdom tooth extraction, Emily was told her blood pressure was too high. The college freshman received a prescription for high blood pressure medication and then returned to Florida Southern College where she was majoring in music and dance. Back at school, Emily’s condition worsened. The high blood pressure had already caused kidney damage, and by spring break, she was in the hospital with complete kidney failure. Emily withdrew from school, moved back home and underwent hemodialysis while attending classes locally.
Nine months later, she received a new kidney – a gift from her father. “I have always been close to my father but since the transplant we are even closer,” Emily says. “We have a great relationship and constantly joke around. He’s always asking me how ‘lefty’ is doing.” Today Emily is completely recovered. Her experience has impacted her so much that she recently reconsidered her college major and switched to Health Administration and Public Policy. Emily still finds time to sing and dance regularly at a local Maryland dinner theatre. “The whole experience has impacted my life so dramatically,” explains Emily.
This week, Emily will join 1,200 other transplant athletes at the National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games in Louisville where she will compete in the track and field and swimming competitions. She will also be singing at the Closing Ceremonies. “My goal is to win some medals for my Team Maryland – as well as for my Dad – and support organ transplantation.”
