Acacia’s kidney journey began when she was just 11 years old, and she was diagnosed with FSGS, a rare, incurable, and aggressive kidney disease. By the age of 14, she needed a transplant. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a friend who donated her redundant kidney, nicknamed “Katniss," Acacia was able to thrive for over nine years.

During the pandemic, however, Acacia contracted COVID-19. The illness triggered a severe immune response, leading to rejection that has permanently damaged Katniss. Acacia is now back on the transplant list, waiting and hoping for a match. In the meantime, she will begin peritoneal dialysis at home, as she continues pursuing her goals and education.

Acacia has already accomplished so much despite her health challenges. She graduated from Calvin University in spring 2025 with a double major in Social Work and Business Marketing. She is now working toward her Master of Social Work degree at Grand Valley State University. She even received a wonderful job offer from Corewell Health, but had to turn it down due to her declining kidney function.

There are many ways you can help:

*Consider becoming a living kidney donor. You can be tested directly for Acacia, or you can participate through the National Kidney Registry, which facilitates paired donation. If you are interested, please visit the following link and register to become a living donor:

https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/services/kidney-transplants

*Share Acacia’s story to spread awareness about organ donation and lifelong transplant needs.

*Contribute financially to support her long-term care.

Why We’re Raising Funds:

What many don’t realize is that a kidney transplant is not a cure. It is a lifelong commitment to care. Transplant recipients must take anti-rejection medications every day for the rest of their lives, yet Medicare only covers these medications for three years post-transplant, leaving patients and families to navigate a broken system filled with uncertainty. Because of this, transplant programs now require families to fundraise to ensure patients can access their critical medications and care in the long term. The survival of a new kidney, and Acacia's survival are dependent on the ability to pay for treatment and medication for the rest of her life.

Your donation will go directly toward:

1. Covering the lifelong cost of anti-rejection medications

2. Supporting ongoing medical expenses, treatment, and related care needs

3. Providing stability and peace of mind for Acacia as she learns to "adult" as a human with a chronic medical condition.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. With your help, we can ensure that Acacia has the support she needs to protect her health, pursue her goals, and engage life with energy and passion.

Thank you for walking alongside Acacia on this journey. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.