Jason Ellenberger hiked the Foothills Trail for AKF and DLIFE
Bear Bait
Jason Ellenberger
Trail: Foothills Trail Goal: 76 Miles
Dates: Apr 12 2019 - Apr 18 2019
It is with utmost gratefulness that I am able to hike for the American Kidney Fund and Donate Life America. My journey began in 1975 (at the age of 2yrs) when I was diagnosed with diabetes. This disease eventually took its toll on my body and by the ... more
It is with utmost gratefulness that I am able to hike for the American Kidney Fund and Donate Life America. My journey began in 1975 (at the age of 2yrs) when I was diagnosed with diabetes. This disease eventually took its toll on my body and by the mid-1990s I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. By June 2017 it had progressed to kidney failure and I started peritoneal dialysis.
I will never forget August 8, 2017 when I received the call. A donor match was found for a kidney/pancreas transplant. The surgery was a success! No more diabetes! No more dialysis! There were a few complications in recovery but after 30 days in the hospital I was released to go home to start my recovery.
I am happy to report that my recovery has gone remarkably well. By April 2019 I will be ready to hike the full 76.2 miles of the Foothills Trail.
You can help me support American Kidney Fund and/or Donate Life America by doing the following. First, sponsor me and donate to the American Kidney Fund. Second, pledge to register at the Donate Life America website and become an organ donor. Third, share to bring more awareness! Be sure to check out my journal for an introduction, planning, training, gear overview, food choice and practice hike stories. Fund the Fight! less