This fundraiser is to cover the cost of decals (to get the word out). Any remaining funds will be donated to the PKD foundation.

My name is Amanda Schmidt, and I am currently searching for a living kidney donor. I was born in West Texas and now live in Overland Park, Kansas, with my wonderful husband, Josh. We love spending time together walking in our local parks, reading (a lot!), and exploring Kansas City. We also enjoy traveling—especially to warm, sunny places.

I’m passionate about creativity and love oil painting, visiting art museums, and finding new artistic outlets. I also have a deep desire to help others, and in the future, I hope to transition my career toward counseling individuals who are coping with medical trauma.

I was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic condition I inherited from my mother that has affected multiple generations of my family. PKD causes cysts to grow on the kidneys over time, eventually leading to kidney failure. Currently, each of my kidneys weighs about 8 pounds (that's the same as a full one-gallon jug each), making daily life extremely challenging. They are compressing my organs and lungs, which makes it increasingly difficult to breathe and do normal things.

I will soon need to have my kidneys removed, and I am hoping to find a living donor who can give me the chance at a healthier, fuller life—and help me come off dialysis. I have been on hemodialysis for nearly two and a half years. Because I have O+ blood type, my wait time for a deceased donor kidney is especially long, as I can only receive organs from O+ or O- donors.

The transplant team at KU offers a paired donation (swap) program. This means that even if your blood type is not a direct match for me, you may still be able to help by donating to another recipient while I receive a compatible kidney in return.

Receiving a transplant would mean the world to me. It would give me the opportunity to build a future with my husband, hopefully start a family, and become an advocate for others living with PKD and chronic disease.

If you would like more information about becoming a living donor or exploring whether you might be a match, please reach out to my transplant team:

Phone: 913 - 588 - 3961 (Option 2)

(You may need to leave a message, but the team will return your call.)

Email: kidneylivingdonor at kumc dot edu

This is a photo of me with my mom, Melissa. She also battled PKD and received a kidney transplant in 1993 that lasted 27 years. She passed away from COVID, but she was incredibly strong and inspiring. She dedicated her life to teaching children with special needs while managing her illness. I miss her deeply and carry her strength with me every day.