On Tuesday, April 21st, we’re hosting “Living Donation: How to Start the Conversation and Navigate the Journey.” Maribell Costell, a Living Donor Facilitator, will share tips on how to begin the conversation, what to expect along the way, and how to feel more confident taking the next steps.

Maribel turned her personal experience as a donor into a passion for helping others and guiding them through the process! We are so excited to have her join us for this webinar.

Please share this information with others who may benefit and feel free to share your questions before Tuesday! There will also be a live Q&A during the webinar!

Go to the Education tab and click "webinars" to register :)

Over the weekend, I followed those instructions and spent most of Saturday and Sunday sleeping, as I had very little energy.

On Monday, April 6, 2026, when I woke up, I felt significantly worse. I had almost no energy, could barely sit up, and needed to lie down even more than during the previous few days. On top of that, my fever spiked very high—to about 102.7°F (39.4°C) on another thermometer.

I immediately called my transplant coordinator. She recommended that I go straight to the emergency room and said she would make all the necessary arrangements. Because I felt so weak that I could barely sit in a car—even if someone else were driving—we decided to call an ambulance.

The ambulance arrived, took my vitals, and transported me to Hackensack ER. My biggest fear was that I might be experiencing a serious rejection episode. However, after running several tests—including blood work, an ultrasound, and a CT scan—the doctors discovered that I had pneumonia.

They admitted me to the transplant floor and told me that I would likely stay there for a while. The medical team wanted to determine whether it was respiratory bacterial pneumonia or viral pneumonia, which required waiting for some lab results. Based on my symptoms, the doctor believed it was most likely viral.

During this experience, I also learned something new about my kidney transplant journey. The doctors temporarily stopped one of my anti-rejection medications, Myfortic, to allow my body to fight the infection more effectively. The medical team explained that pausing the medication for a few days in a severe situation like this is safe, but it should never be skipped casually or simply because I forget to take it.

This journey continues to teach me something new every single day. Even through moments like this, I’m reminded how grateful I am—for the incredible medical team watching over me and for the strength our bodies have to heal.

Every step of this transplant journey brings new lessons, challenges, and appreciation for life. I’m taking it one step at a time, learning along the way, and feeling truly blessed to keep moving forward. 💙

In our support group tonight, we shared things we're involved in in our local communities to invite people into the transplant space, from sleeves on coffee mugs to lighting up buildings blue and green to attending specific events that honour our donors.

I want to know what you're up to for donate life month. OR if there's nothing in your area, what do you desire to start?

Do you have some resources for support networks for caregivers? What has been your caregiver experience, either as a caregiver or with your caregiver?

I'm not sure if this has already been discussed but I was wondering if we could compile our best tips for people new to CKD. What are the most helpful tips in your opinion that you would give to someone who is new to CKD?

@Jorge_C mentioned his song is I will survive, which is a fantastic choice and one I might be stealing. Mine is currently my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard, which might not be the best choice but I needed something catchy enough I wouldn't tune it out😆

If you have a fun alarm song, drop it below!

🌟 Post your 📸 📷 and share your stories in the comments. 🌟

I'll be wearing 💙💚 today in honor of ALL Organ, Eye and Tissue donors. Indeed, they 💙 DonateLife 💚 and are all heroes for saving lives by making the ♻️ Gift of Life ✅️ possible.

#beadonor #livingdonors & #organdonors #saveslives #DonateLife #GiftofLife

💙♻️✅️💚

#organdonation + #transplantation = #miracles 💯

** The annual Donate Life Blue & Green Day Photo Contest will open for submissions on April 10 and run through April 17.