02/27/2026
"My big sister Jenny who was a D1 college athlete, active, and healthy her whole life had no signs of health issues. When she was 35 years old, a routine checkup with a new doctor resulted in abnormal kidney function, which came as a total shock. How could someone so young and healthy have abnormal kidney function? This is where her battle with chronic kidney disease began.
After many rigorous tests, diet and lifestyle changes, and being closely monitored, at 39 years old, Jen’s kidney function dropped to the threshold where she was placed on the UNOS list to receive a new kidney. Since this process is unknown and could take years, our family spent the next 2 years searching for a living donor, first within our immediate family. I joined Team Kidney Moves to raise funds while training for the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon.
Fast forward to February 10th, 2024 when Jenny received a phone call at midnight from the John’s Hopkins Transplant team. There was a kidney for her. Nearly 17 hours later she was in surgery receiving her new kidney. Our family barely had time to process what was happening.
24 hours post surgery, Jen’s kidney function had improved to levels we could not comprehend. We were relieved, grateful, and in awe of modern medicine. Her kidney function continued to improve and now has reached highs similar to that of someone who was not a transplant recipient! Our family holds a special place in our hearts for Jen’s donor and family. One day this person decided to be an organ donor and this has been life changing for my sister. Kidney (and all organ) donors are angels and life savers. 🧡
The NKF holds a special place in my heart. I want every kidney patient to have a success story just like my sister. This is why I have joined Team Kidney Moves once again to raise funds for kidney patients across the USA, this time for the 2026 NYC Half Marathon. "
Thank you Andrea for sharing your incredible story with us.
You can support Andrea and all of our incredible half marathon runners today by donating, sharing their pages, and helping us fuel every mile with hope.
Visit: qrco.de/kidneymarathon2026