My name is Austin Shields. I am 28 years old, and live in Phoenix, Arizona, with my brother. I hold a Master’s degree from Penn State and a Bachelor’s from Arizona State University. Unfortunately, I had to put my career on hold to undergo lifesaving dialysis treatment. I have been on dialysis for nearly a year, and I urgently need a kidney transplant. I was born with an auto-immune disease called IgA nephropathy. I discovered this when I failed a pre-surgery exam for corneal transplants.
Why I Need a Kidney
What would I do with a new kidney? I have dreams. I want to be an entrepreneur. I would love to travel and see the world. I love to cook. I love everything outdoors, including hiking and nature photography. I love roller coasters and being on the water. I miss having a social life. I dream of being able to help people. Unfortunately, these are all just dreams. The only dream I need right now is for a hero. Someone to step forward and say, "I am willing to give the gift of life." A living kidney donor who is willing to share their spare.
How You Can Help
By sharing my story to your group of family and friends, you help to increase the number of people who may consider kidney donation.
You can also support me and other patients in need of a transplant by being screened to become a kidney donor with the NKR. The process is easy to complete and potential donors have access to the NKR’s nationwide donor support network.
Support & Protections Available to Donors through the National Kidney Registry
- Cost Reimbursement
travel & lodging, lost wages, dependent care
- Kidney Prioritization
in the unlikely event you ever need a kidney
- Voucher Donation
the future of paired exchange
- Remote Donation
avoid air travel for donor evaluation & surgery
- Best Match
maximize the impact of your donation
- Legal Support
fighting termination & discrimination
- Complication Protection
reimbursement for complications costs
- Reduce Wasted Time
streamlined donation process
- Home Blood Draws
eliminate trips to the transplant center
- Help Other Donors
give feedback to improve the process
