When it comes to understanding kidney disease, most of us have only a surface-level knowledge of this far-reaching health condition. For Amy Reichard, a nurse with years of experience in healthcare, kidney disease was always part of her professional world, but not something she felt personally. That changed in a profound way when she was called to become a living donor.
On November 8th, 2023, Amy donated her kidney to someone who was, at that time, a complete stranger. Now, she’s not only helped save a life—she’s gained a “forever sister” and a deep sense of connection to the kidney community. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “All along I was thinking this was just about donating a kidney to someone in need, but it was so much more than that!” The experience transformed her understanding of kidney disease, living donation, and the power of giving.
Our kidneys play a crucial role in keeping us healthy. They filter out toxins, balance our body’s fluids, regulate blood pressure, and support overall well-being. But many people aren’t aware of how important these organs are—or that they might be at risk for kidney disease themselves. Amy emphasizes “Knowledge is power the more we know, the more we grow.”
Early detection of kidney disease can be lifesaving, yet it often goes unnoticed because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed. That’s why healthcare organizations are working hard to educate communities about kidney health. By raising awareness about kidney disease and the option of living donation, we can empower people to make informed choices that might save lives.
One of the most surprising things Amy learned was how straightforward it is to donate a kidney. As a nurse, she felt silly not knowing much about kidney disease and the impact donation can have—but now she’s on a mission to change that. She wants everyone to understand that living donation isn’t just an option for saving lives. It’s an opportunity to profoundly change your own.
For Amy, the process of donating her kidney was smooth, and she’s eager to share her story to inspire others who might be considering it. “Don’t give up!” she encourages. “Do your research, get plugged into a kidney community, and know that you don’t have to go through this alone.”
If Amy’s story has inspired you, there’s an incredible opportunity coming up to learn more about kidney disease and living donation. Join us on November 16th at the UIC Forum from 10:00 am-1:00 pm for The Big Ask, The Big Give! Whether you’re considering donating or need a donor, this event is the perfect place to connect, learn, and find support. The event will offer sessions in both English and Spanish to ensure everyone has access to this life-changing information.
You don’t have to face kidney disease alone—together, we can build a community of support, knowledge, and hope.
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