When I was a teenager, I had over 90% kidney failure due to diffuse glomerulonephritis from a new lupus flare. I was told if I immediately started steroid infusions and chemotherapy, I had a high chance of keeping my kidneys until 40. They also told me that due to circulation complications from lupus and the subsequent chronic fatigue, I would likely have to stop skiing and participating in endurance events I was already falling in love with.
I am happy to say I just made it to 40 and never needed that kidney transplant. I have also been participating in skimo races for the past 15 years, thus never succumbing to the lupus predictions, even though the disease is chronic.
Currently in the United States over 100,000 adults and children are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and even more are in need of a tissue transplant. This is a cause close to my heart and I am excited to support the Chris Klug Foundation and their mission to register individuals as organ donors. I will be taking part in their 19th Annual Summit for Life, a night time race on Aspen Mountain that climbs 3,268 vertical feet to the summit. My goal is to raise $100 for the foundation, please consider donating and supporting my mission! For every $1 I raise CKF will reach 2 individuals across the country with their lifesaving mission.
