I am beyond excited to share that I will be running the 2026 New York City Marathon in support of the Chris Klug Foundation!
I am incredibly proud to represent an organization whose mission is to eliminate the wait for a transplant by inspiring and educating people to register as organ donors. Today, more than 103,000 people in the United States are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. While 93% of Americans say they support organ, eye, and tissue donation, only 44% are actually registered donors. That gap represents lives still waiting. Through this marathon, I hope to shine a light on how vital it is to say “yes” to organ donation.
My passion for transplantation began with my first nursing job on a solid organ transplant floor in New York City. I quickly realized how complex and overwhelming the journey can be, not just for a new nurse, but for recipients, living donors, and their families. In this role, I built a strong clinical foundation and gained the tools to educate others about the process in a way that feels approachable rather than daunting. This allows patients to feel informed and empowered during a life-changing experience.
Today, I am a pre-kidney transplant coordinator. I guide patients through the evaluation process to help ensure transplantation is a safe option for them. I hold education classes to prepare future recipients for the journey ahead and work closely with our living donor team to help patients pursue living donor kidney transplantation. It is incredible to watch patients move from the uncertainty of chronic kidney disease to receiving a lifesaving organ and reclaiming their quality of life.
I began running after college as a personal challenge and a way to push myself both physically and mentally. After completing my first half marathon with coworkers from the transplant clinic this past fall, I knew I wanted to take on an even greater challenge. Running my first marathon in the city where my transplant career began, while fundraising for CKF, feels deeply personal and purposeful. The Chris Klug Foundation reflects both my professional and personal values. Every day, I see the transformative impact of organ donation, and I am honored to share this passion for 26.2 miles in November.
I would be so grateful for your support, whether that means registering as an organ donor, sharing this message, or making a donation to help advance CKF’s lifesaving mission. Together, we can help eliminate the wait for a transplant.
Thank you for cheering me on!
Sarah
