Genevieve Wrobleski
Why I Walk: Genevieve’s Story
Genevieve is living with stage 4 chronic kidney disease, a condition that has affected generations of her family, including her son. While she’s unable to attend this year’s Michigan Kidney Walk in Detroit, her impact is still being felt. In her own words, Genevieve shares how she turned her experience into action by bringing her […]
Antonio Herrera
Why I Walk: Antonio’s Story
I’ve learned that kidney disease doesn’t have to stop everything. It becomes something you learn to live with, not something that takes over your life.
Judy and Karen
Why We Walk: Judy and Karen’s Story
When Judy’s kidney health declined after decades of challenges, that lifelong connection became something even more powerful. Together, they became part of a paired kidney donation chain that changed not just their lives, but many others as well.
Kristen Kindle
From One Mother to Another: Kristen Kindle’s Living Donation Story
Kristen Kindle, a retired Air Force veteran originally from Saginaw, Michigan, never expected to become a living kidney donor. But when she saw a Facebook post from a distant family friend in need, she felt an immediate and unshakable pull to help.
Mike and Liz Chicalas
Fighting Together: Liz and Mike’s Story of Love, Resilience, and Kidney Advocacy
After three transplants, countless hospital stays, and years of dialysis, Mike and Liz Chicalas continue navigating kidney disease together, with love, grit, and the support of their community.
Rory Barner
Scholarship Spotlight: Rory Barner
Rory, a 2025 NKFM Scholarship recipient, has spent much of his life navigating chronic kidney disease while staying focused on helping others. Turning 26 this April and living in Sterling Heights, Rory recently celebrated a major milestone: graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Diagnosed with stage 4 chronic kidney disease when he was […]
Charlotte Hagerman
Fifteen Years Later and her Donation is Still Going Strong
In January of 2010, Charlotte Hagerman of Lansing made a life-changing decision that gave her friend Charles a second chance at life: she donated her kidney. At the time, doctors said her kidney might give him five good years, but more than 15 years later, that kidney is still going strong.
Erin Turner
Scholarship Spotlight: Erin Turner
University of Michigan student Erin Turner, who lives with chronic kidney disease, reflects on her kidney journey and how an NKFM scholarship helped her pursue her dreams.
