My name is Justin Kristl, and I am 32 years old. I proudly served our country for eight years in the United States Army, including six years with the 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), better known as the Night Stalkers. During my military career, I deployed in support of our nation’s missions, achieved the rank of Sergeant, and wore my uniform with immense pride.
The military was more than a job to me; it was a calling. The men I served alongside became my brothers, and their support has carried me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. Even today, I remain close with many of them. Leaving the military was one of the hardest transitions I have ever faced, and coming to terms with the fact that I can no longer return to the work I loved has been incredibly difficult.
Outside of the military, I have always been driven by service, hard work, and a desire to improve myself. I am a devoted rescue dog dad, a horse lover, a fitness enthusiast, and a family man. Whether it was weightlifting, long-distance running, horseback riding, or helping others, I always pushed myself to be better than I was the day before.
In 2023, my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with kidney failure. Despite extensive testing, my physicians have not been able to determine the exact cause. Because my father was a two-time kidney transplant recipient, there is concern that a genetic condition may have contributed to my diagnosis.
Today, I spend more than 15 hours each week on dialysis just to stay alive. Dialysis is physically exhausting and significantly limits my quality of life. The treatments, dietary restrictions, and fluid limitations have forced me to give up many of the activities that once defined who I was. I can no longer enjoy weightlifting, horseback riding, long-distance running, spontaneous travel, or spending extended time with family and friends without carefully planning around treatments.
Kidney failure also forced me to leave my home in Tennessee and relocate closer to family in the North. It meant leaving behind many of my military friends and the life I had built for myself. While I may not always look sick on the outside, the reality is that living with kidney failure is incredibly challenging. My life now revolves around doctor’s appointments, monthly blood work, imaging studies, hospitalizations, blood transfusions, and managing the overwhelming fatigue that comes with chronic illness.
Despite these challenges, I refuse to give up.
Those who know me often describe me as someone who lights up a room. I try to live my life with kindness, humor, and compassion. Helping others has always been at the center of who I am. Whether it’s caring for rescue dogs, feeding the homeless, helping elderly neighbors, or simply being there when someone needs support, I believe in showing up for others. I am deeply devoted to my family, my country, and my faith. I’ve been told that if you can’t love Justin, you can’t love anyone—and that is one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive.
A kidney transplant would give me the opportunity to truly live again. It would give me freedom from dialysis and allow me to travel to see family, attend weddings and milestones, and spend meaningful time with my siblings, cousins, nieces, and loved ones. It would allow me to dream about the future again: to get married, build a family of my own, and return to serving others.
One of my greatest hopes is to resume volunteering with veterans through equine therapy programs. I would love to once again spend weekends on horse trail rides, camping under the stars, and helping fellow veterans work through the challenges of PTSD and life after military service. I would also love the opportunity to work alongside my military brothers again in a civilian capacity and continue making a difference in the lives of others.
Right now, my illness prevents me from working, and I am still trying to redefine what my future will look like. But I know I have so much left to give. A kidney transplant would provide not only better health, but also the chance to reclaim my independence, pursue my goals, and continue serving others in meaningful ways.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you are considering becoming a living kidney donor, please know that your generosity could give someone like me a second chance at life. It would mean more than words can ever express.
We need you to help us support Justin. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
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.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.