Kristin’s Christmas Miracle: The Gift of a Lifesaving Kidney

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 and ice hockey. FSGS didn’t stop her from living her life, and she went on to become a collegiate athlete at a university in Massachusetts. Kristin didn’t have many limitations other than a few dietary restrictions, such as monitoring her protein intake and watching her blood pressure.  

It wasn’t until after she got married and wanted to start a family that her FSGS would raise concerns. Kristin’s medical team was supportive of her wanting to get pregnant but advised her that she would have a high-risk pregnancy, and getting pregnant could hasten the decline of her kidney function. Kristin and her husband were concerned about a potential pregnancy advancing her disease, so instead they started an international adoption process and adopted a daughter to complete their family.  

Navigating the Decline in Kidney Function: Kristin’s Journey 

As Kristin aged, her kidney function began to decline, resulting in more dietary restrictions in phosphorus and potassium. She developed anemia and began to feel more tired and sluggish. Kristin was a full-time working mom with a demanding career as a consultant. She took all her medical challenges head-on and kept up appearances, but nobody outside of her family or close friends knew what she was dealing with.  

In March 2023, she went into acute kidney failure and was in the CICU at Johns Hopkins, needing two emergency surgeries to drain four liters of fluid from her heart and lungs. Kristin had a catheter for peritoneal dialysis installed to remove waste and excess fluid from her blood. Her busy life became centered around her daily dialysis treatments.

Looking for a Living Donor and Joining The National Transplant Waiting List 

In 2019, Kristin only had 20% kidney function and passed all the tests and requirements to join the national transplant waiting list. While waiting for a deceased kidney donor, Kristin was also looking for a living donor. In August 2024, Kristin had a living donor who fell through after contracting COVID-19. Kristin remembers this period being incredibly difficult. The waiting and uncertainty of whether she would find a living donor or a kidney from a deceased donor brought a lot of stress. Although dialysis kept her alive, her days were still marked by unpredictable highs and lows depending on how she felt.    

Getting the Call: Kristin’s Kidney Transplant Preparation

On the evening of December 18, 2024, around 9 p.m., Kristin was sitting on her couch watching TV when she got “the call” that a kidney was available for her. She was surprised when they told her she would get her transplant the following day, less than a week before Christmas. That night, Kristin did dialysis to prepare her body for her surgery. She always kept a suitcase packed for the hospital in the event she got the call and decided to add a few last-minute items.  

Kristin’s Kidney Transplant: A Christmas Miracle 

On December 19, 2024, Kristin received her kidney transplant at Johns Hopkins. On the day of her transplant, she underwent final tests to confirm the kidney was a good match and met with transplant education social workers to help her post-transplant transition. She remembers everything went faster than she expected, and she was able to stand up and walk within 36 hours after her surgery.  

She ended up staying six days in the hospital and was released to go home on Christmas Eve. Kristin got to rest and be with her family during the holidays and recalls Christmas being extra special that year with her new gift of life.  

Living Life Fully: Kristin Regains Her Strength 

After getting her transplant, Kristin didn’t realize how exhausted she had been. She used to feel physically run down and experienced frequent brain fog. After her transplant, she was amazed by how much she was able to accomplish while being on dialysis. At home dialysis allowed her to work full-time and do her treatment overnight, but it also restricted her schedule. Kristin had to plan extra time for site care and bring her machines and supplies with her anytime she traveled.  

Kristin now feels healthy. She noticed how sharp her mind is again and how it’s easier to concentrate while working. She appreciates being able to do little things like taking a shower without her catheter, falling asleep on the couch, going hiking, eating out at restaurants without as many dietary restrictions and being able to travel again. She’s excited to visit her daughter while she’s away at college more often. 

 She is also reflective and remembers how grueling the wait for an organ transplant was and does her best to inspire and encourage those still waiting.  

“Don’t lose hope and remember that even when you’re feeling weak, you’re so strong. Much easier said than done. Rely on friends, family, faith, your medical team, fellow transplant patients and whomever else can support you while you wait. They can lift you up when you’re feeling down.” - Kristin 

Honoring Her Donor with Gratitude 

Kristin’s kidney came from a deceased young woman in New Jersey who was around her daughter's age. Originally from New Jersey herself, Kristin had a hard time knowing that while she was celebrating her gift of life, another mother was mourning the loss of her child.  

She often thinks about her donor, and her gift of life has led her to reconnect with her faith. Kristin prays every day for her donor and her donor’s family, thanking them for her miracle. She volunteers at her church and is always finding ways to give back to others. She focuses on taking good care of her body to honor her donor and feels extremely thankful. 

“I want to live life to the fullest and have as many experiences as I can so that my donor can live on through me. The best way to honor my donor’s legacy and the gift she gave me is by living and staying healthy.” -Kristin 

Kristin Joins Team Maryland: Participating in the Transplant Games of America  

Kristin found out about the Transplant Games of America through friends who are also transplant recipients. Her friends participated in Team New York and Team Pennsylvania. They encouraged her to get involved with Team Maryland and she received support from her medical team.  

Kristin started going to swimming again, something she hadn’t done since high school. She practices three hours every week and is excited to be a part of Team Maryland, where she has found a new community of friends and support. Kristin is set to compete in swimming at the next Transplant Games of America in Denver.  

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done athletically. I’m the slowest person in the slow lane, but I’m doing it because I can.” -Kristin 

Giving Back to the Donate Life Community as a Volunteer 

Kristin continues to give back to the Donate Life Community by volunteering at Infinite Legacy events. She recently participated in the Annual Donate Life Family Fun Run to honor her donor and partnered with Infinite Legacy to share her story as she celebrated her one-year kidneyversary. She is also a part of Kidney Talk, a national organization that provides support groups and resources to those affected by kidney disease.  

Save Lives Like Kristin’s and Register to be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor 

You have the power to save lives like Kristin’s by registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor today. We encourage everyone to get the facts and see how they can get involved in the Donate Life community. Register today! 

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