Kidney Transplant Connectors (KTCs) are individuals who have personal experience with kidney transplantation— whether as patients or donors.
They volunteer to share their stories to help others feel informed and supported. On this page, you’ll find short videos and bios that highlight their unique journeys. These stories are intended to foster connection and provide insight into the transplant experience from a patient perspective.
Faces of hope: Meet our donors*
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Meet the Connectors: Reggie
I'm Reggie. I became a living donor because my wife Alana was living with chronic kidney disease. Donating my kidney allowed Alana and me to fulfill our long-term dream of growing our family. Two years after the transplant, we became proud parents of a healthy baby girl. As a Kidney Transplant Connector, I hope sharing my experiences will inspire others to consider donating.
(Disclaimer on screen throughout video) Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Individual experiences may vary. These patients were compensated for their time creating these videos.
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Meet the Connectors: Amanda
Hi, I'm Amanda. I live in San Antonio, Texas, and I'm a busy mom of five. In June 2016, I donated a kidney to my father who had been on dialysis for five years after surviving kidney cancer. Donating was the best decision of my life. I donate again if I could. I love sharing my journey with kidney donation on social media, which has connected me with people from all over the country. As a Kidney Transplant Connector, I hope my story brings hope to those waiting for a kidney and encouragement to those considering donation.
(Disclaimer on screen throughout video) Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Individual experiences may vary. These patients were compensated for their time creating these videos.
MAT-US-2408058-v1.0-09/2024
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Meet the Connectors: Sue
I am Sue, a mom of seven and a non-directed kidney donor. I chose to donate in 2017 at the age of 52, and I ended up being part of a paired donation chain that included 18 people. After working in a hospital for 30 years and seeing the struggles of patients undergoing dialysis while on the wait list, I felt inspired to make a difference. When my friend's son, Michael, needed a transplant, I stepped up. Although my kidney wasn't a match for him, I became a donor for another family. This remains one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
MAT-US-2408053-v1.0-09/2024
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Meet the Connectors: Bobbi
Hi. I am Bobbi. I donated a kidney because I knew I could live well with one kidney while possibly saving someone else's life. After recovering from donation in September of 2019, my daily routine hasn't changed much.
I start my day with a three-mile run and a two-mile hike with my dog before heading to work, managing a state run victim services unit. When I'm not working, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my husband, family, and friends.
As a Kidney Transplant Connector, I hope my story shows that you don't have to be an extraordinary person to donate, and you don't have to have a previous connection to your recipient. It was one of the most rewarding decisions I ever made. I donated a kidney and gained an extended family. I'd do it again if I could.
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Meet the Connectors: Heather
I am Heather. As a nurse and manager of the abdominal transplant programs at a large medical center, I know firsthand how transformative a transplant can be. In 2002, when my sister's husband needed a kidney, I saw it as an opportunity to help my family and walk my talk. An added bonus is that donating a kidney has given me a more personal perspective at work when I talk with patients about their options. My short-term discomfort was far outweighed by the satisfaction of possibly saving a life and seeing someone regain their health.
(Disclaimer on screen throughout video) Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Individual experiences may vary. These patients were compensated for their time creating these videos.
MAT-US-2408054-v1.0-09/2024
Faces of hope: Meet our kidney recipients*
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Meet the Connectors: Scott
I'm Scott. I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, or what some might know as PKD, at the age of 26, and in 2009, I learned I had end-stage renal disease. At that point, I was really determined to find a living kidney donor, and I launched into a vigorous email campaign, and in 2010, one year later, I received my transplant. I used to be a news and sports broadcaster, but now I work as a communications manager. Outside of work, my loves are spending time with my family, traveling, playing golf, and hiking with my best buddy, my goldendoodle Isaac, who just turned 13. As a Kidney Transplant Connector, I'm really grateful for the opportunity to share my story. Now, some people hear the phrase end-stage renal disease, and they focus on one word, end. What I'd like them to know is actually, it can be a new beginning, and if you need a story with a happy ending, I have one for you.
(Disclaimer on screen throughout video) Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Individual experiences may vary. These patients were compensated for their time creating these videos.
MAT-US-2408051-v1.0-09/2024
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Meet the Connectors: Steve
I'm Steve. I received my first kidney transplant more than 20 years ago. When my veins began to collapse after dialysis in 1998, my brother stepped in with the Gift of Life in January of 1999. The process of finding a donor the second time took much longer and required me to go back on dialysis, but I finally had my second transplant in September of 2023. Today, I'm retired and busier than when I was working. Staying active is what I do. Riding my motorcycle, fishing, and playing golf with my wife. Those are all things that have me active and I am just glad to be here and help out!
(Disclaimer on screen throughout video) Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Individual experiences may vary. These patients were compensated for their time creating these videos.
MAT-US-2408050-v1.0-09/2024
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Meet the Connectors: Alana
I am Alana. I own a catering company. I have two children and I have also had two kidney transplants due to Nephrotic Syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, FSGS. My first transplant lasted 10 years. When my kidney started to fail, my husband and I had to advocate so he could donate one of his kidneys. Our efforts were successful and my second transplant was in September 2016. I became a Kidney Transplant Connector because of a promise I made to myself. After my transplant, I will use that gift to encourage others to advocate for themselves.
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Meet the Connectors: Aimee
I am Aimee. I live in Portland, Oregon and have undergone two kidney transplants. Born with a rare genetic condition, I received my first kidney from my father shortly after high school. The procedure went smoothly, but my body eventually rejected that kidney. I received a second transplant from a deceased donor in 2011, which turned out to be more difficult than the first. This challenging experience inspired my work and commitment to the transplant community. I recently earned my master's degree in healthcare management and have worked on projects with nonprofit organizations, including consulting and creating a documentary film on the donation and transplant process.
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Meet the Connectors: Rodolfo
I am Rodolfo. I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in my thirties. I started dialysis when I turned 50. After a month of hemodialysis and seven months of peritoneal dialysis, I found a living donor and had my transplant on November 2013. I'm currently enjoying retirement, spending time outdoors with my family, going on a weekend fishing trips and cheering for my favorite football team. I joined the KTC program to inspire potential donors and encourage those still on the waiting list. It's my way of giving back and showing that there's hope.
(Disclaimer on screen throughout video) Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals diagnosed with kidney disease. Individual experiences may vary. These patients were compensated for their time creating these videos.
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*These are actual patients.
Each patient story reflects the real-life experiences of individuals undergoing kidney transplantation. Individual experiences may vary.
Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.