Why I Walk

 
I first joined the Pittsburgh Kidney Walk as a way to honor the memory of my father, George A. Nicolai, a loving and sweet man who never complained about his poor health. In 2009, our family was blessed to learn that my dad and I were a perfect kidney match. In an operating room adjacent to my own, my dad’s new kidney worked from the moment it was transplanted, allowing him the opportunity to take a few years off of dialysis. Sadly, however, he passed away in 2013 due to other ailments.

With the encouragement of the NKF of Pittsburgh, I formed our Nicolai’s Dragonflies walk team – not just for the lovely rhyme – but because the dragonfly symbolizes living life to its fullest and exemplifies grace and strength, qualities reflective of my dad’s life.

My family and friends are amazing and came running to join the Kidney Walk. Since 2015, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for the National Kidney Foundation, which makes me so proud of our walkers!  A few years ago, I learned that I myself have chronic kidney disease, so now my loving and generous teammates walk for me as well as to honor my dad.
 

Why do I walk?  Because I am a Living Donor, a CKD Patient, an Advocate, and my Father’s Daughter.
Please consider supporting my efforts with a donation. Much love and thanks!
~Barbie