How One Artist is Changing Lives After Her Living Kidney Donation

When Angelique learned that her husband, Will, was in kidney failure, she wanted to donate a kidney to him. First, she had to improve her own health. After two years of hard work, Angelique was ready. She donated a kidney, giving Will a second chance at life. But her kidney journey didn’t end there. Today, Angelique uses her artistic skills to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation, one brushstroke at a time.

Will began experiencing joint pain and itching in 2012. He went to the doctor, hoping for an easy fix. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any. These were symptoms of late-stage kidney disease. Despite the steps he and his healthcare team took, it was too late to save his kidneys.

“He got on the kidney transplant waitlist when it was clear he needed dialysis,” Angelique said. “My blood type is O-negative. I’m a universal donor. I started the living kidney donor evaluation with this in mind.”

Initially, Will didn’t want Angelique to donate her kidney to him. He never wanted to take from her. That didn’t stop Angelique from going through with the evaluation.

“We were a match, but I couldn’t donate my kidney yet,” Angelique said. “I had a few minor medical issues, like low iron, to attend to first,”

They compromised–if a deceased donor kidney became available before Angelique was deemed a good living donor candidate, Will would take it.

“Will spent two years on dialysis waiting for a transplant. It was a long journey but the work on my health paid off,” Angelique said. “I gave a kidney to my husband on August 7, 2019.”

National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is here for you whether you’re looking for a living kidney donor or want to become one. Discover a free online course that suits you and your kidney journey. Sign up for the Kidney Learning Center.

Will’s kidney failure experience changed their lives forever. Now, Angelique uses art to help others avoid similar challenges while spreading the word about living kidney donations.  

“Art has always been therapeutic for me,” Angelique said. “It helped me through my kidney journey. Now, I use it to help others.”

How? Angelique hosts paint parties to raise funds for nonprofits like NKF, volunteers at Camp ChiMer to support kids with kidney disease, and donates unique art pieces to charity.

“Helping an organization like NKF is a dream come true. I had such a great time painting with the kids at Camp ChiMer and hope to return,” said Angelique. “The last painting I donated to NKF was auctioned at their Gala. It represents all the support and love we received before and after my kidney donation.”

She also uses art to spread awareness within her community.

“There are many Black/African American people on dialysis who need a kidney transplant,” said Angelique. “Most of the people who come to my paint parties are Black/African American. I share kidney health resources and my story with them.”

Want to get involved? Volunteer with NKF. 

Every year on their “kidneyversary,” Angelique and Will celebrate by giving back to the people who helped them through their kidney journey.

“We deliver bundt cakes to our family, friends, and healthcare team,” said Angelique. “We spent a month away from home for the transplant. People came together in ways we never expected, from offering to watch our dogs to caring for our house. It changed my life and how I view helping others.”

To that end, Angelique opened a community art center where she hopes to share the benefits of art with more people.

“I have an area in my community art center dedicated to NKF and Donate Life America,” Angelique said. “Most people don’t know about kidney disease or living donation. Spreading awareness saves lives.”

Legislative advocacy is next.

“I applied for a grant to help with our hotel expenses while staying near the hospital. I was denied because they considered my donation an elective surgery. No one should be punished for donating a kidney,” Angelique said. “More needs to be done in the legislative space. I’m ready to help how I can.”

Join Angelique in raising awareness and supporting kidney disease patients. Become a Voices for Kidney Health advocate. By using our voices, we can make a difference.