I joined the Army in 1990 in hopes of getting the GI Bill for college. Little did I know I was joining two days before Desert Storm was to begin. I was sent to Spangdahlem, Germany where I became a Hawk Radar Operator. Once Desert Storm was over, I had the pleasure of representing my Battalion and ran my first 10km race, realizing my love of running. I was sent to Fort Hood, Texas after the war and worked in Intelligence assisting soldiers in getting their security clearances. I really enjoyed my time in the military for the most part; the comradery was above and beyond.
I tell everyone that being a Veteran and the mother of two amazing boys are my two greatest life accomplishments! Being a Veteran is greater than ANY Sorority or Fraternity. I am in my 17th year working full time at the Detroit VA Hospital (where I also receive my dialysis) and serve my fellow Veterans. I work in the Whole Health Department where we assist many Veterans in taking charge of their life and health.
I am divorced, have two amazing sons and have raised three others. I am blessed to have been here to see my oldest son graduate from college and compete on the ski team. Now he is about to take the LSAT and apply for Law School and my prayer is to see him through this, too. My youngest son has a few businesses and is working on his goals, so I guess I have more to do!
I had always been active and healthy, but in 2007 I found out that I had kidney disease and was in Stage 3 for many years. After my kidney diagnosis, I battled hypertension and was on medication for many years. Unfortunately, the meds were not able to get it under control and my kidneys continued to fail. In December 2021 I was still running races and enjoying my life until I contracted C-Diff and was hospitalized for 7 days, unfortunately it took my kidneys out. I have been on dialysis since January 2022.
I am also a Master Reiki Healer so losing my kidneys was a real tough pill to swallow. I have just passed my 3rd year on dialysis, and I am amazed because I told God, and all who would listen that, I WOULD NOT LIVE ON DIALYSIS, but God had other plans.
Well, looking at my photo collage you can see that I was super active while raising my boys. I absolutely loved running races with my sons, skydiving, scuba diving, horseback riding, golfing, skiing, and I was also the point of contact for the Annual Stand Down for my fellow Veterans. I would love to do more with my family as well. Dialysis takes so much out of me that I do not have energy left after working and doing the things I have to do. I haven’t been able to really enjoy my bonus grandbabies and host of nieces and nephews.
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 Natalie’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