I’m reaching out to share my story as a living kidney donor for my daughter, Sofia. This experience has been nothing short of life-changing—for both of us.Sofia was diagnosed with FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) in 2020, during the height of the pandemic. What followed was a cascade of challenges that no child should have to face. Most of the past three years, she’s lived with catheters in her body—undergoing LDL apheresis, plasma exchange, and peritoneal dialysis. Her energy drained, her teenage years upended. She was forced into homeschooling, pulled from nearly all social circles and extracurriculars, and restricted to one of the strictest diets imaginable.And yet… she never lost her fire.Despite everything, Sofia remained ambitious and deeply compassionate. She dreams of attending culinary school and entering the food business someday. She’s also an incredibly loving and protective big sister to her 10-year-old sister, Kalia. Her strength, resilience, and love for life are what carried us through the darkest days.When I learned I was a match, there was no hesitation. This transplant was my chance to not just save her life, but to help her reclaim it. We both underwent surgery at UC San Diego and I was fortunate to be released from the hospital after only two days—on my feet, and filled with gratitude.Attached are photos from this journey, including a moment at her bedside, and the beautiful bouquet sent by my team to celebrate this milestone. We’ve leaned on many amazing support systems—Painted Turtle, the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, nephrology camps—and now, I’m grateful to share our story with your foundation as well. If our experience can offer hope, perspective, or inspiration to others considering donation, I would be honored for you to share it.Thank you for all that you do to support living donors and their families during these vulnerable and transformative times.