NKF Serving Connecticut

Becoming a living donor has forever changed me as I truly understand how rewarding and empowering it is to be able to save a life. I also understand that while I only had one kidney to give, it’s also possible to save thousands of lives right here in Fairfield County – through kidney awareness, early screening, and community engagement. That’s why I recently joined the Board of Advisors for the National Kidney Foundation serving Connecticut and Greater New York.

Nearly 30 years ago I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) after giving blood at a local blood drive. That was quite a shock at the age of 40. After 3-1/2 years doing Peritoneal Dialysis, I received a pediatric pair of kidneys at Hartford Hospital. Surprisingly, these kidneys responded quickly to the new load and grew to full size in a matter of months. The pre- and post- transplant journeys are a very emotional and trying time for the patient. That’s why I give back to other Kidney Patients as a NKF Peer Mentor.

 I found out about my kidney failure just after I turned 21, going into my senior year of nursing school. It was truly a huge shock for me. I lived with IGA Nephropathy my whole life but never expected to be affected by CKD so young. My view of the future became blurred and I didn’t know what to make of that diagnosis. But on May 10th, 2023 an amazing human came along and he donated his kidney to me. I am forever grateful for this life he’s given me - 23 years old and able to start truly living again.