Kidney Disease Changed NFL Star Khalen Saunders’s Family. Now He's Raising Awareness

For years, Kim pushed through symptoms she couldn't explain. She was constantly itching, exhausted, and dealing with headaches. Sometimes she felt so weak she thought she might pass out.

“One day, in 2013, after an argument with the cable company, I was sitting with my coworker when I lost sight in one of my eyes,'" Kim recalled. “They called an ambulance.” 

But by the time Kim arrived at the hospital, her vision was clear. 

"I denied treatment and made an eye appointment," she said. "The eye doctor told me I had severe, untreated high blood pressure."

Additional testing with her primary care doctor revealed something even more serious.

"I learned I had stage 3 kidney disease," Kim said.

For the next two years, she followed up with her healthcare team but felt something was missing.

"I wasn't getting the education I needed about protecting my kidneys," she said. "So I decided to find a new doctor."

After seeking a second opinion in 2015, Kim received shocking news.

"My kidney function dropped to 16%. My new doctor told me I would need dialysis by the end of the year," she said. "I couldn't believe it."

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At first, Kim kept her diagnosis to herself.

"I didn't tell my boys, Khalen and Kameron Saunders, right away," she said. "I didn't want them worrying about something they couldn't fix."

But once in-center dialysis became part of her routine in late 2015, it was impossible to hide.

“They both wanted to donate a kidney to me,” Kim said. “While I know it is safe, I didn’t want them to disrupt their lives and the careers they were building.” 

Khalen was working towards becoming a professional football player, and Kameron was pursuing a dancing career. 

"I spent five years working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. before going straight to dialysis from 5 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.," Kim said. "Then I'd go home, sleep, and do it all over again."

Khalen remembers how difficult those years were for the family.

"It was tough watching her go through it, but she never stopped fighting," he said. "She kept doing what she had to do while supporting Kameron and me in our lives and careers."

Because of Kim’s determination, her sons flourished. Today, Khalen is a defensive tackle for the New York Jets. Kameron is a well-known choreographer and back-up dancer for Taylor Swift’s ERAS tour. 

Did you know there are different types of dialysis? Take our quiz to learn if home dialysis is right for you. 

Before pursuing finding a living donor (or living donation), Kim first needed to get approved for the transplant waitlist. 

"To become eligible, I had to lose a significant amount of weight," she said. "It wasn't easy, but I was determined."

Kim lost 155 pounds over a few years before being approved for the transplant waitlist.

"My boys became my biggest supporters," Kim said. "Sometimes it felt like I had two extra parents instead of sons."

Finally, after five years of dialysis, Kim received the call she had been hoping for.

“At 2:20 in the morning on March 30, 2020, my phone kept ringing,” she said. “My son came downstairs and told me the transplant center had called several times.”

She called back. 

“The transplant team told me to come to the hospital immediately,” Kim said. “They had a deceased donor kidney, and I was number one on the list.”

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There was just one problem. This was still the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I almost didn't go," Kim admitted. "I was scared of catching COVID-19 and passing away."

But Khalen reminded her that this was the moment she’d worked so hard for.

"He basically told me, 'Get your bag. Let's go," she laughed. “I’m so glad I listened.”

Kim finally had a second chance at life–"It’s been nearly seven years. I’m still enjoying life to the fullest with my transplanted kidney.”

Learn more about life after a transplant. 

Kim's kidney journey inspired both her and Khalen to become advocates.

“I joined NKF’s mission to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation. It affected my family directly," Khalen said. "I've seen what it looks like when someone you love needs a transplant. That's why this work is important to me."

In addition to raising awareness online, Khalen attended NKF's 2026 Patient Summit in Washington, D.C., using his platform to advocate for better kidney health policy.

Kim became an educator in her community, sharing facts about kidney disease and speaking with students about organ donation. 

"There were resources I didn't even know existed," Kim said. "Transportation assistance, insurance help, dietitians, counselors—there was so much support available."

She wants to make sure others know about these resources.

“This isn't about convincing anyone. It’s about helping them make an informed decision," Kim said. "I encourage everyone to ask questions. Learn about your options. And don't give up."

For Khalen, the lesson is simple.

"My mom got a second chance," he said. "That's why awareness matters. That's why organ donation matters. And that's why we'll keep sharing our story."

Raise your voice for kidney health. Become a Voices for Kidney Health advocate today.