Kidney for Katelyn
I need YOUR help. I’m in End Stage Kidney Failure and need a living kidney donor to save my life. To learn more about living kidney donation or to start the testing process on my behalf, please contact Breanna Bronson at The Christ Hospital at 513.585.1427 or [email protected].
My Story
Katelyn Noonan is a vibrant, compassionate, and deeply loyal young woman who brings light into the lives of everyone she meets. She has a magnetic personality, a love for life, and a heart that naturally gravitates toward helping others. Today, Katelyn is living with kidney failure and needs YOUR help.
Katelyn needs a living kidney donor to save her life.
Katelyn’s journey began at just 3 years old when she was diagnosed with Alport syndrome. Despite facing a lifelong medical condition, she has shown incredible strength and determination. At 18, she
received a kidney transplant from a living donor, her sister-in-law, Carey Noonan, which gave her the opportunity to grow into adulthood, build meaningful relationships, and experience life in ways she might not have otherwise.
For years, that gift allowed Katelyn to thrive. She graduated high school, took college classes, obtained her driver’s license, and built a life filled with friendships, travel, and new experiences. She volunteered at an animal shelter, explored her creativity through painting and pottery, and embraced her love for music, concerts, and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Unfortunately, after several years, Katelyn’s transplanted kidney began to fail. Despite exhausting treatment options, including intensive medical interventions, she has now returned to the transplant list and is once again searching for a living donor.
There are only two treatment options for kidney failure: dialysis or transplant.
While Katelyn is not currently on dialysis, it is a reality she may soon face. Dialysis is hard, and something she hopes to avoid. Dialysis isn’t living, its existing. While Katelyn may not look sick, she is, and living with kidney disease is incredibly challenging. Katelyn’s days are filled with frequent doctor appointments, ongoing testing, and strict medication routines. She has taken medications daily since she was a child, sometimes as many as 20 pills a day. Fatigue, nausea, and low energy often impact her ability to fully participate in everyday activities. She must carefully monitor her diet and adjust her lifestyle to manage her condition.
Despite these challenges, Katelyn continues to approach life with resilience, humor, and heart. Friends describe Katelyn as a “light” in their lives, someone who makes other laugh, offers unwavering support, and brings people together. One friend shared, “When you’re near her, you can’t help but want to reach out, her presence grounds you.” Another described her as a “lighthouse,” always guiding others through difficult moments with kindness and strength.
Her mom shares that Katelyn is incredibly determined and capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to – hardworking, dependable, and full of heart, adding, “she loves deeply, gives selflessly, and truly lives her life to the fullest.” She is smart, creative, and deeply compassionate, someone who leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets.
Katelyn has a passion for creativity and connection. She loves reading – especially horror- listening tolive music, collecting vinyl records, and creating art through watercolor and pottery. She enjoys traveling, trying new foods, going to concerts, and making memories with friends. She has built a community across the country through her love of music and shared experiences.
A new kidney would change everything.
With a new kidney, Katelyn will be able to travel, spend time with loved ones, pursue a career, and continue building the life she has worked so hard for. Most importantly, it would allow her to focus on living rather than surviving.To learn more about living kidney donation or to start the testing process on Katelyn’s behalf, please contact Breanna Bronson at The Christ Hospital at 513.585.1427 or [email protected]. The living donor process is confidential, and Katelyn won’t be notified if you contact the transplant team. All costs for testing and surgery are covered by Katelyn’s insurance.
Why a Living Donor?
Finding a living donor can significantly reduce your wait time. After all the donor testing is complete and your donor has been approved by the transplant team, your surgery can be scheduled.
With a kidney from a living donor, you increase the chances that your transplanted kidney will last longer than one received from a deceased donor. On average, a kidney from a living donor lasts 15-20 years versus a kidney from a deceased donor which averages 8-12 years.
If you receive a kidney from a living donor, you might be able to avoid or shorten the amount of time you are on dialysis. You are more likely to have better outcomes with your new kidney if you are transplanted before starting or after a short time on dialysis.
When you have an approved living donor, you can schedule the transplant surgery at a time that is convenient for both you and the donor, allowing you and your family to prepare for major surgery.
With a living donor kidney, you are more likely to receive a kidney that is a better genetic match, which may decrease the risk of organ rejection.
A kidney that comes from a living donor is more likely to receive a kidney that will start working immediately upon transplantation. Deceased donor kidneys can be “sleepy” and take some time to “wake up” and start functioning.
To learn more about living kidney donation or to start the testing process on my behalf, please contact Breanna Bronson at The Christ Hospital at 513.585.1427 or [email protected].