Amy Nash was diagnosed with end stage renal disease during her senior year in college. At age 23 she received her first kidney transplant in 1986. After 21 years, Amy's transplant failed and her friends were tested as potential donors. Amy's childhood friend was a match, and they had their surgeries in December 2008. Now, Amy volunteers as a way to express her gratitude to her two donors. As a little girl, Amy dreamt of being the Rose Queen. "On New Year's Day 2013, I will receive a far greater honor as one of the riders on the Donate Life Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade," said Amy.

Amy's Story

Amy Nash was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease during her senior year in college. She was on peritoneal dialysis for four months, and at age 23 received her first kidney transplant in 1986 from a 20-year-old donor killed in a car accident.

Years later, when Amy's renal function fell below 20%, she was again placed on the transplant waiting list. This time, Amy was on the list for 60 months. After 21 years, her transplant failed and Amy returned to peritoneal dialysis in July 2007. A dozen friends were tested as potential donors, and one dating back to childhood, Maureen Wirth, proved to be a match. In a testament to the success of living donation, Maureen ran the New York City Marathon 11 months after donating her kidney to Amy in December 2008.

Today Amy volunteers with Unyts as a way to thank her two kidney donors. She loves to use her marketing and public speaking background to put a face on organ transplantation and kidney disease to educate others. Amy speaks as often as possible to present at schools, corporations, religious groups, civic organizations, and media.

In celebration of her two transplants, Amy raised over $20,000 for the National Kidney Foundation of Western New York to help patients like herself. NKF honored her with an Extraordinary Achievement Award in 2007.

In 2008, Amy was thrilled to be invited to Washington, D.C., to speak with Congressional staffers in an effort to ensure passage of the 2008 Medicare Health Act, one of the last bills Ted Kennedy championed and voted for. Amy was able to do dialysis between meetings in Congressional offices, and her advocacy on Capitol Hill remains one of her proudest achievements.

As a little girl, Amy dreamt of being the Rose Bowl Queen from snowy Buffalo. "On New Year's Day 2013, I will receive a far greater honor as one of the riders on the Donate Life Float in the Tournament of Roses Parade," said Amy.