Why I Walk

I walk because too many families (like mine) are coping with this devastating chronic illness, and thousands more will face an unexpected kidney disease diagnosis in the year to come.

I walk to support the lifechanging work of the National Kidney Foundation:
     - To ensure that families will have a place to turn when they need answers.
     - To keep up the fight for policy changes to protect kidney patients and living donors.
     - To drive innovation in transplantation and get more loved ones off the kidney transplant waitlist.

I Walk because I believe in hope, I believe in Guardian Angels. 

When I was a freshman in high school I decided to try something new and join the marching band. Up until then band was fun, but sports were my passion. It was a big deal to skip soccer tryouts that fall and totally change course from everything I had done for  10+ years. 

There was a new band director that year, fresh out of college, Casey Speed Goodwin. Her energy and excitement were contagious and I immediately fell in love with marching band. 

About halfway through the season I became very sick and was in the hospital for several weeks. I was diagnosed with kidney failure out of nowhere. Although I was scared about my health, marching band had become so important to me. All I could focus on was how devastated I felt that I wouldn’t be able to play with the band. How was I going to get back on the field? What about the trio I was playing with? Who would play my part? I’m letting the band down! 

Within a few days of being admitted to the hospital, I got an email from my band director. She wrote to me after every rehearsal and told me what the band was working on, the new drill they started. It eased my mind and kept me connected to the band. 

I asked every weekend if I could go home from the hospital, take “a leave of absence” so that I could see the band play at their exhibitions. I was never allowed to. It may not have seemed like a big deal to Casey, but keeping in touch with me was one of the only things that kept me going through those days in the hospital. 

Unfortunately, I did not make it out of the hospital in time to march that season.  But, I did convince the doctors to discharge me on the day of the regional marching band finals and I went straight there. I remember that day so clearly. 

I was filled with so many emotions. I was excited to hear the band play, but also very scared. I was put on high doses of steroids that caused my body and my looks to change. What would my friends think?

As I was walking to the field, someone called my name. At first, I didn’t recognize the woman running towards me, her yellow messenger bag flapping up and down! Then I saw it was Mrs. Goodwin. She didn’t care what I looked like. She didn’t care that I had missed the band and they were just leaving the field. She just cared about seeing me. I was overcome by a feeling joy and belonging. 

I couldn’t wait to march with the band again. The Christmas Parades were coming up, but I wasn’t sure I’d have the strength to join the band. Mrs. Goodwin, always making sure I felt included, found me a wheelchair and let me join the parade wheeling down the road. 

Throughout the rest of high school, the band room was my safe haven. I could be myself. I became more confident and excelled as a  a leader within the band. From Casey and through music, I learned hard work, perseverance, and leadership. 

Casey and I have kept in touch over the years. I went to UMaine after high school and we saw each other at concerts, Kappa Kappa Psi events, and the rival, UMaine vs UNH Hockey/Football games. Casey has never stopped supporting me. 

A year ago, I was told I needed to have a kidney transplant. I had to do one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done; post online about my kidney disease. Up until then I didn’t talk about it to anyone. I had to ask for help finding a donor. 

The first person to tell me they received a call to start testing was Casey. The person who started this whole journey with me was now starting the testing to save my life. There are no words to describe the emotions I felt knowing she would put herself through a major surgery to save my life. 

The person who is my mentor, teacher, and friend is also my guardian angel and on June 13, 2023 she also became my kidney donor. 

Many people are waiting and dreaming for stories to be created just like mine. 

I walk to help create these opportunities, these memories, to help save a life. 

Are you with me?

Please consider supporting my efforts with a generous donation.