Meet Allison
I'd love for you to know a little bit more and me and my family before you learn about my chronic kidney disease.
Who I Am
Family: I come from a tight-knit family that is highly engaged in holidays, gatherings, and daily group text chats. My family is my foundation and my greatest team of champions.
Career: I spent my career as a residential Realtor. It was a rewarding opportunity to get involved with my community, connect neighbors, and help clients find their own American Dream.
Hobbies: I am a darn good home chef who delights in creating healthy meals for friends, family, and my highly appreciative husband. I am a few years into writing a cookbook that I promise to one day complete. I am also an avid backyard gardener with a thriving patch of vegetables, herbs, and pollinator flowers.
Volunteer Work: I spent years engaged in various volunteer activities, ranging from church positions and Boards of Trustees to supporting the local museum and the Junior League. And lots in between.
Favorite Place: I am in love with my quiet, peaceful neighborhood and my home, which has proven to be a true haven. My husband and I often spend hours on the back patio drinking morning coffee, listening to the birds, and solving all the world’s problems. (At least, we think we do!)
Favorite Vacation: Undoubtedly, I have been lucky enough to have life’s greatest travel adventures. The standouts were my safari trips to South Africa and Kenya were life-changing, making me wiser, more appreciative, and giving me an upfront view of our incredible world. I hope to continue travelling to as many new destinations as possible.
Favorite Food: Oh, boy. Where to begin? I am a big fan of all kinds of ethnic foods. For fun, I love trying to recreate dishes I have experienced both locally and abroad, though seafood in its various forms is always my favorite.
What makes me laugh: My husband, Steve. He is quite simply the wittiest, most clever, and hilariously funny person I have ever met. What a win! He ensures I laugh easily and often throughout each and every day. I'm known to laugh at my own jokes, which in turn, makes everyone around me roar!
"You won't find a more loyal or kind-hearted person. Allison is the first to step up when someone is in need."
— Elena, Cousin
"Allison’ is small but strong and tough. She's a faithful friend and a loving family member. Always wise, she gives good advice and perspective on issues at hand. She's a lot of fun and worthy of love."
— ShERI, FRIEND
"Allison and I have known each other since 4th grade. She, my wife Dori and I are godparents to one another’s children. She is a strong person who values her life with her family and friends and, like her other life choices, she will be disciplined and determined to get through this challenge. Through it all to date, she has been true to herself, courageous, realistic, and hopeful."
— Jim and Dori, FriendS
Words from Family and Friends
"Allison has this quiet strength that anchors everyone around her. She doesn’t just listen; she hears what you aren’t saying."
— Karen, Sister
"Even on the toughest days, she finds the beauty in the small details—a blooming flower or a sunset. Her optimism is contagious."
— Michael, Family Friend
A Letter From Me
Well... this is awkward.
I never imagined I'd be writing something like this—or asking whether someone might consider sharing a kidney. If I'm honest, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done.
Yet here we are.
I am living with an advanced kidney disease caused by a genetic mutation and I'm currently on the transplant list at UF Health in Gainesville, Florida. My father died in 2019 of complications associated with renal failure. While I'm incredibly grateful to be on their list, a living kidney donor offers my best chance for a longer and healthier life.
I’d like you know me as a wife, a mom, and a brand-new grandmother. My husband is the love of my life, and between us, we have four wonderful grown children. Honestly, I’ve always loved being on the move—whether that's biking, doing Pilates, gym dates with my husband, playing golf and tennis, or attending great concerts.
I really miss that active pace. A healthier life post-transplant means I can get back to the things that make me me. I can't wait to continue traveling, entertaining friends at home, and most importantly, enjoying a lot more quality time making memories with my family.
If you're wondering whether someone can live a healthy, full life with one kidney, the answer is yes.
If you're curious and want to know more, I'd be honored if you'd take a moment to learn more about directed living kidney donation. There is absolutely no obligation—only an invitation to understand the process.
Someone out there may be able to change the rest of my story.
Maybe you are here because you are that someone.
Either way...
Thank you for taking the time to meet me.
With gratitude and hope,
Allison