Katie S
This is the last picture I took before my life changed. The weeks leading up to my kidney failure, I ran a half marathon, finalized my summer vacation in Europe and was travelling to Calgary for work. On May 6th 2023, my future was shattered. I returned from Calgary with a suspected kidney infection. Days later, I was rushed to the ER where it was determined that I developed an auto-immune condition that affects fewer than 1 in a million people. This condition led to my immediate kidney failure.
Initially, this disease completely immobilized me mentally and physically, but peer support groups through the Kidney Foundation and the Transplant Ambassador Program are helping me find reassurance and purpose during this difficult journey. Thanks to a grant from the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project, I have also been able to return to the gym and receive personal training sessions to regain my fitness and help improve my overall mindset.
With a kidney transplant, I will be able to dream again. I want to cycle through Chile, participate in swimming at the World Transplant Games and have a family of my own; but what I look most forward to is life’s simple pleasures – impromptu road trips, taking a shower or crushing my favourite bag of potato chips.
Anyone interested in becoming a donor can contact the Ottawa Hospital directly at livingkidneydonor@toh.ca and mention my name, or simply send an email to katies@transplantambassadors.ca.
Ottawa, Ontario
Age: 36
Blood Type: A-
Reason for kidney failure: Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease
Current kidney function: I started hemodialysis in May 2023.