04/17/2026
Did you know that living donors say “yes” to life, hope, and the people they love, and sometimes to complete strangers who become family along the way. For Amanda, the spirit of giving began early. Inspired by donating blood alongside her mom, she discovered a deep sense of gratitude for having the health and ability to help someone else. Over time, that gratitude grew into a calling. Living organ donation became a personal “why not?” A belief that saying yes could change countless lives, not just one. In 2024, that belief became reality when Amanda donated a kidney to her family friend Vanessa, giving her renewed health and freedom from dialysis. Seeing Vanessa return to everyday joy with her family is a reminder that one selfless choice can ripple outward in the most beautiful ways.
For Stephanie, living donation came full circle. Saved as an infant by a stranger’s quick action, she grew up understanding how fragile, and precious, life can be. Decades later, when her dad faced kidney failure, she knew what she wanted to do. After safely navigating the donation process, Stephanie gave her dad a kidney in 2023. Almost instantly, his energy came back, and their family was given more time together. Time filled with laughter, playing with grandchildren, and even checking Alaska off a lifelong bucket list. For Stephanie, donating wasn’t just a gift, it was completing the circle of life her dad always talked about.
Amanda and Stephanie’s stories remind us that living donation is about love, courage, and choosing hope. It’s about saying yes—sometimes to a friend, sometimes to a parent, always to life. 💙💚 Thank you to Donate Life America (), Amanda and Stephanie, for sharing your stories of being a living donor!