Together we RISE

I was SUPER fortunate enough to experience the RISE Lantern Festival a little over a week ago in the Mojave Desert. I'm so glad I was able to go at this time in my life. It truly was an amazing and indescribable experience that reminded me just how lucky I am to be living life on my terms with my second kidney transplant. It was a chance to celebrate my life as well as all those who have been affected by kidney disease. We wrote 104 names on a lantern representing people who have received transplants, who have donated a kidney, supported patients, as well as those who are still waiting for their gift of life (see photos below). My goal in doing this was to not only bring awareness but to give hope to those waiting and to inspire others to make a difference in the world of kidney disease. Awareness Creates Change.

The energy felt by everyone in that circle in the desert as we all released a lantern full of our hopes, dreams, wishes, loves and memories was just amazing. I can't even put into words how it felt. Together, that positive energy was bigger than any single person or lantern.

Kidney disease affects 31 million people and growing each day in the United States. That number includes the 9 out of 10 people that don't even know they have kidney disease. It is SO much devastatingly bigger than any single person, BUT that doesn't mean we can't fight it. That energy I felt at RISE with everyone having the same mission of positivity is what I want to transfer to Get Loud for Kidneys. We are stronger together and can make big change together. We will not put an end to the waitlist if we are a single person taking action, but we can if we help each other with the right support.

My hope is that we can RISE together to fight kidney disease.

I challenge you to RISE and GET LOUD by sharing this post on social media with a comment about (1) how you are connected to kidney disease along with (2) something YOU ARE GOING TO DO to help RAISE AWARENESS or EDUCATE YOURSELF about kidney health, disease, transplant.

You can accomplish some these simply through our website:

AWARENESS - learn how people are getting involved

CREATE CHANGE - learn how YOU can get involved