Andrea Overend is a mother of five, a veteran, and a beacon of resilience. With over 10 years of military service, including time as a paratrooper, Andrea’s life took an unexpected turn at just 19 when an airborne injury and the medications required for treatment caused severe kidney damage, forever altering her path. Despite these challenges, Andrea remained determined to serve her country, joining the National Guard, pursuing education, advancing her career, and raising her family.
In 2017, Andrea received a life-saving kidney transplant, offering a fresh start. However, complications from the transplant led to kidney failure in late 2023. Despite several family members volunteering to donate, none were successful. By the summer of 2024, Andrea was placed back on the transplant list, and in August, she began dialysis five days a week. While dialysis is life-sustaining, it brings significant side effects, including fatigue, and secondary conditions like anemia all of which impact her daily life.
With a successful kidney transplant, Andrea’s vision is one of continued growth and success. She plans to actively contribute to her community and remain a strong, engaged presence in her family’s life. Despite the health challenges she has faced, she remains determined to move forward, driven by the hope and strength that a new transplant will bring.
For medically cleared donors, giving the gift of life through living kidney donation has been proven to be very safe. DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery. A healthy person can live a normal life with one kidney and save Andrea’s life with the other!
Your support, whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, can make a profound impact on her life and the life of her family!
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611