For the past nine years, Kathy Miller has been an important part of the Handi-Crafters team. As a Program Specialist, she works with individuals with disabilities, helping them develop skills and prepare for meaningful employment.
Now, Kathy needs support of her own. She recently learned that she needs a kidney transplant, and we’re sharing her story in the hope of helping her find a living kidney donor and spreading the word to others who may be able to help.
My Story – Kathleen Miller
For most of my life, however, I never let that define who I was. I didn’t want my kidney disease to become my identity. Instead, I chose to focus on living a full and meaningful life—one centered on family, serving others, and making the most of every opportunity.
When I was nine years old, I underwent surgery after a severe infection further damaged my kidney. Doctors were forced to remove most of it, leaving me with even less kidney function. Still, I refused to let my health dictate my future. I went to school, built a career, traveled, spent time with my family, and embraced life with gratitude.
Today, I have the privilege of working as a Program Specialist, supporting individuals with special needs as they build confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for meaningful employment. Helping others discover their abilities and celebrate their successes is one of the greatest joys of my life. The individuals I serve inspire me every day, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of their journey.
Outside of work, my family is my greatest blessing. I treasure every moment we spend together. I also enjoy creating diamond art and giving my finished pieces to family and friends. I love traveling—especially to Rhode Island and Maine, where I enjoy visiting lighthouses—and riding my bike has always been one of my favorite ways to relax and enjoy the outdoors. For decades, I simply lived my life. Then my doctors told me something I had hoped I would never hear. The kidney that had carried me through my entire life is beginning to fail. They have explained that a kidney transplant is no longer something to think about in the future—it is what I need now to protect my health and give me the best chance to continue living the life I love. Accepting that has not been easy.
I’ve always been the person who tries to help others rather than ask for help myself. But I’ve learned that sometimes the strongest thing we can do is allow others the opportunity to help us.
The reason I want a transplant isn’t simply to live longer. I want to continue being there for my family. I want to keep showing up every day for the individuals I serve, encouraging them to believe in themselves and celebrating their accomplishments. I want the energy to ride my bike again, travel to see more lighthouses, create gifts for the people I love, and continue making memories instead of worrying about my health.
A kidney transplant would give me so much more than improved health. It would give me the opportunity to continue living a life focused on giving back.
If you are reading my story and considering living kidney donation, please know that your generosity would mean more than I could ever express. Your gift would give me more time with my family, more opportunities to serve others, and the chance to continue living a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and hope.
For most of my life, I never asked for anything. Today, I am asking for the chance to keep giving—to my family, to my community, and to the people whose lives I have the privilege of touching every day.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering the extraordinary gift of life.
How You Can Help
Learn about becoming a living kidney donor.
If you’re interested in learning more about living kidney donation, visit Kathy’s National Kidney Registry page for information about the donation process and how to get started.
Visit Kathy’s National Kidney Registry page
Share Kathy’s story.
Even if you’re not able to become a donor, you can help by sharing Kathy’s story with your family, friends, and community. The more people who hear her story, the greater the opportunity to reach someone who may be able to help.
Download Kathy’s Kidney Donor Flyer
Help spread the word by downloading and sharing Kathy’s kidney donor flyer.