Donor Advocacy - Why I'm Helping Noal

I'm a friend of Noal's and also helping to advocate for him. Finding a live kidney donor is his biggest hurdle to living a fuller and healthier life. I am committed to doing whatever I can to help. I am spreading the word about what it means to be a donor and encouraging people to see if it's right for them. I'm also going through the process to see if I could be a donor, either for Noal or someone else.

Over the past week, I've had three meetings with members of the donor team at Mayo. I've met with a nurse, a donor advocate, and a social worker. It's clear they have my best interests at heart, ensuring I'm in a good place in body, mind, and spirit to be a donor. The first of many questions they ask is, “Why am I considering being a donor?” For me, the WHY is intertwined with my own situation.

Over the summer, I lost my husband to a sudden and fatal heart attack. Since then, there isn’t a day I don't miss Kevin and wish he was still here. I'm learning to be a single parent while navigating big life changes with my two kids. I wouldn't wish the turmoil of the last nine months on anyone, especially a friend.

I want to help keep a wonderful family—Noal, Sarah, and their son—happy, healthy, and whole.