The Dumpling Transfer

Thanks to Bridget Hart for sharing her story with us! Bridget is running the 2026 Chicago Marathon with Team Kidney!

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In 2004, my mom, Anne, was 20 weeks pregnant when she found out that her pregnancy was at risk. Doctors told her that if she could carry the baby to term, her son would be born with underdeveloped organs, which would make his start in life an intense and uncertain experience. After he was born, my brother, Nathan, spent over a month in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). He started dialysis that January and received treatment for the next year and a half.

In 2006, my mom made a courageous decision: she donated her kidney to Nathan, who was just 2 years old at the time. He has had her kidney ever since.

At first, my brother was hesitant to share his health journey with others. But as the years went by, Nathan began to get more involved in advocacy and raising awareness for other youth facing similar health challenges. He participated in the Transplant Games of America in 2016 and 2018, and he was invited to speak on ESPN radio to raise awareness for kidney health. Additionally, Nathan spoke at the NKF "The Big Ask, The Big Give" panel, offering advice to families on how to support loved ones with kidney disease.

Nathan’s journey has taught him many valuable lessons, and he believes that his experiences have made him a stronger, more resilient person. His message is clear: there is always hope, and it’s possible to live a healthy life despite kidney disease. Nathan is incredibly grateful for the chance to continue sharing his story and raising awareness.

However, in the fall of 2024, Nathan’s kidney health began to decline. After consulting with his medical team, it was determined that he would need another kidney transplant. As his sister, I began the testing process to see if I was a match. After undergoing testing, I find out that I was a match and decided to donate my kidney to Nathan in May of 2025. To ease some of the upcoming pressure of surgery, my family referred to the transplant as the "dumpling transfer". We got matching dumpling stuffed animals, as pictured, and went out to eat for dumplings as a family right before surgery! Since the second transplant, my brother's kidney health has been better than ever!

This experience has deepened my understanding of the life-changing impact of organ donation. It has made me even more aware of the importance of seeing the positives in life, even when facing challenges. Organ donation is not just about giving an organ - it’s about giving someone a chance at a future they might not have had otherwise. I have seen firsthand how a single act of generosity can change a life, and I’m so proud to be able to contribute in this way.

Our family has been so fortunate in our experiences with organ donation, but there are countless others out there waiting for the life-saving gift of an organ. Receiving support, whether it’s through a financial contribution or spreading awareness, helps to continue the life-changing work of organizations that support organ donation and transplantation. Every donation brings us one step closer to making more lives healthier and happier.

As someone who was not very involved with doctors and in touch with their health prior to donation, I have learned the power of focusing on a few simple habits. Get regular checkups so problems can be caught early and educate yourself to pay attention to common systems. I have also learned first hand that drinking enough water to help your kidneys work properly is essential. These small steps can make a big difference in protecting kidney health over time.