3X Transplant Recipient, Champion for Patients
Richard Salick, a three-time kidney recipient and tireless champion for people with kidney disease, was an internationally top-ranked surfer at 23, but was diagnosed with kidney failure. His doctors said that he could no longer surf, but Rich refused to give up. He developed a pad to protect his new kidney, returned to competition, and was eventually inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame. In 1985, Rich and his brother, Phil, founded the annual NKF Pro-Am Surf Festival in Cocoa Beach, FL, which continues to this day. Rich was an inspiration to his fellow kidney patients.
