10 years and counting!

In 2015, at just 25 years old, Becca was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney failure—also known as end-stage renal disease. With her kidneys functioning at only 6%, the prognosis was terminal. Doctors warned that passing away in her sleep was a real possibility. What followed was a remarkable outpouring of love and support. Friends, family, and even strangers rallied around her, with many stepping forward to be tested as potential kidney donors through the University of Washington Medical Center. While Becca underwent six months of peritoneal dialysis, she (lol, barely) held onto hope—and then came the call before Christmas of 2015. A match had been found: a living, altruistic donor had stepped forward to give the ultimate gift of life. **Cue epic Hans Zimmer score** Diane Coleman had quietly spent six months going through anonymous screenings with the transplant team—and turned out to be the perfect match. With the heart health of a 28-year-old, she was cleared for surgery. Ten years later, thanks to Diane’s wildly generous, life-saving gift, Becca has become part Irish, earned a graduate degree, married the love of her life, and found deep purpose working at UW Medicine—the very place that saved her life. Oh, and yes—they absolutely traveled to Hong Kong together and got matching tattoos. Here’s to the gift of life, unexpected friendship, joy, resilience, and finding peace in the middle of the storm. Thank you for being a part of our community.