Many of you may not know, but my sister Anne McCrindle has a genetic disorder, Polycystic Kidney Disease, known as ADPKD. This condition causes cysts to grow and take over, which leads to enlarged kidneys and eventually complete kidney failure. Unfortunately, over the last year, Anne's kidney function has rapidly declined. She is now stage 5 and was inactively waiting on the transplant list in hopes to avoid dialysis. Anne has been very private with her struggle until now... We are so thrilled to share that she has been matched with a living donor through a kidney swap program and will receive a new kidney on May 1st! Thanks to her longtime friend Emily Duszynski, who has so selflessly stepped forward to be tested and offered to be a donor! Although they are a match, the swap program was able to find her a more compatible option, so not only will Anne receive the kidney she desperately needs, but thanks to Emily, they are also able to do a paired donation and help another individual in Florida as well!

As Anne prepares to undergo this major surgery next month, she and her family could understandably use your help! Many close friends and family have asked how they can donate, which is why we are sharing here.

When she receives the transplant, she will need to be monitored in the hospital for 4-6 days. Once she is cleared to go home, she will still need to continue weekly visits to Northwestern Hospital in downtown Chicago. This will prevent her from working for at least two months. Your kindness will give her and her donor the opportunity to focus on healing rather than the stress of the expenses that come along with the surgery and recovery. Together, with your help, we can make this journey a little easier for both of them and their families.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity, your support, and your awareness of PKD.