Kristin prepares to return home after her successful kidney transplant to enjoy the holidays with her family. When Kristin Rice was born, the umbilical cord snapped, causing Kristin’s body to go into shock, damaging her renal system. At age four, she was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) . She had a normal childhood with FSGS, but knew at some point she would need a kidney transplant.    Kristin played a variety of sports growing up, including swimming

Harold Mintz is known for his unconventional thinking and zest for life. After losing his father at a young age, he decided he would live life with more intention and make decisions that brought him joy and happiness. He grew up unaware of the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation. Over time, he was gradually exposed to different materials about organ donation and transplantation. With each exposure, he found himself more curious about donation and wanted to find w

George Franklin celebrates 50 years and counting with his kidney transplant. The summer George Franklin turned 18 years old; he had plans of enlisting in the military. But once he got sick, his plans changed. After a bout with an ongoing cold, his mom took him to the hospital to get answers. There, he found out he had high blood pressure and was transferred to the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC, where he was unexpectedly diagnosed with end-stage renal

Emily Bardales was only nine months old when her parents, Vicky and Marvin, found out her heart was not functioning properly. They learned her heart tissues were damaged and the only way for Emily to survive was to receive a lifesaving heart transplant. Doctors explained the wait for a new heart could take days, months or years. Her parents were devastated about her prognosis, but the potential of a future heart transplant gave them hope. Emily’s parents turned to their faith