UPDATE 4/1/26

‼️EXCITING NEWS‼️: Sam’s living donor is now ACTIVE in the National Kidney Registry, and they are actively working to find her kidney match. This process is so special because it doesn’t just help Sam receive her life-saving kidney transplant—it also helps another person receive the life-saving transplant they’ve been waiting for. One act of generosity is creating hope for Multiple families. Because we were blessed to find a living donor, about three weeks before their surgery date the registry will begin matching Sam with her donor’s paired recipient. It’s an incredible system that allows one donor to help many people. The donor has chosen to remain anonymous right now, but they are someone close to our family and we are beyond grateful for their courage and kindness. We have officially reached more than halfway to our fundraising goal, and it’s all because of the incredible generosity of so many of you. Every donation, message, and share truly means the world to our family. Please keep sharing—each share helps us get closer. ❤️ We will continue to share in hopes of making this process a little less stressful for Sam and our family as we prepare for what’s ahead. All prayers, positive thoughts, and shares are deeply appreciated.

UPDATE 3/24/26

Some prayers have been answered. While Sam may not have a direct kidney donor match yet, there is a huge step forward in this journey. 

 Someone incredibly generous stepped forward and went through all the testing to become part of the paired donor program — and they were approved. This means Sam’s donor will donate their kidney to someone else, which then triggers Mayo to immediately begin matching Sam with her paired kidney donor. 

 It’s an amazing and selfless act that brings real hope that Sam’s transplant could happen… SOON.

 With this next phase moving forward, there will also be many expenses ahead — deductibles, travel and lodging near Mayo, and missed hours at work for everyone involved in the process. 

 I’m sharing this again in hopes we can help make this miracle a little less burdensome for Sam. Mentally, physically, and financially this journey is a lot to carry, and any support or prayers mean the world. 

Thank you for reading, supporting, and please keep praying.

Help Samantha Get the Gift of Life – A Kidney Transplant

Hi everyone,

My name is Shannon, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my sister, Sam. She is currently awaiting to be added to the kidney transplant list due to a genetic condition called Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD).

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Her Story

Sam has always been the kind of person who lights up a room — full of kindness, strength, and love for others. She was diagnosed with ADPKD, a genetic disease that causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure. Although she is not currently on dialysis, her kidney function has declined significantly, and doctors have made it clear that a transplant is needed before her condition progresses further.

More than anything, Sam wants to be there for her two young boys, who need their mom healthy and by their side as they grow up. Her biggest motivation through every appointment and challenge has been being present for them.

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A Living Donor Could Change Everything

While Samantha is trying to get on the transplant list, we are also actively searching for a living kidney donor. A living donation offers the best chance for a faster transplant, a healthier kidney, and a longer life.

I have unfortunately been ruled out as a donor due to my high blood pressure and medications I am on. I am actively trying to resolve this in hopes that I might still be that donor but time is of the essence.

Even if someone isn’t a direct blood match for my sister, there’s still a life-saving way to help. Through a paired kidney exchange (also called a kidney match program), a willing donor can give a kidney to another person in need, and in return, my sister receives a compatible kidney from another donor. It’s like a “kidney swap,” and it greatly increases the chances of finding her the perfect match quickly. This means that even if your blood type doesn’t match hers, you could still be the key to saving her life by participating in this program.

If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about becoming a living donor, please reach out to us or contact Rochester Mayo Transplant Center. Even sharing this information can help us reach the person who could be her perfect match.

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The Road Ahead

Alongside the emotional rollercoaster, the financial strain is tremendous. Even with insurance, there are many costs not fully covered, including:

• Pre- and post-transplant medical appointments

• Travel and lodging for hospital visits and surgery

• Life-long anti-rejection medications

• Lost wages during recovery

• Caregiver expenses and household adjustments

Our family is committed to supporting her every step of the way, but we cannot do it alone.

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How You Can Help

Your donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward easing these financial burdens and allowing Sam to focus on what truly matters: healing and getting her life back for herself and her boys.

Even if you can’t give financially, sharing this page, spreading the word about the need for a living donor, and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers mean the world to us.

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From Our Family to Yours

Thank you for taking the time to read Sam’s story. Your kindness, generosity, and support give her hope and strength as she awaits the gift of life.

With love and gratitude,

Shannon & Family