2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein, brother of fellow float rider Rick Eckstein, is immersed in the world of kidney disease. "My father, two sisters and brother all have it," said David. He has offered to be a living donor to his sister, like his mother and brother have been to other members of his family. "Throughout my life and career as a professional baseball player, knowing the daily struggles of my family has always been a driving force for me to never take a day for granted," said David. "I felt it was my obligation to always do my best, and when the time comes, I will be proud to add kidney donor to my list of achievements."

David's Story

Professional baseball player David Eckstein is immersed in the world of kidney disease. "I was born into a family that has kidney disease," said David. "My father, two sisters and brother all have focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which causes scarring of the kidneys." Over the years, David has observed kidney disease affect his family, even as he became an accomplished athlete.

David's sister Susan, who experienced kidney failure in 1987 at age 16, did peritoneal dialysis at home. His mom, Pat, was a kidney match for Susan and in December 1988, Pat donated one of her kidneys to Susan. Today, Susan is an elementary school teacher, married and has two children, but is experiencing renal failure; she will need another transplant within the next one or two years. Following his mother's example, David has lovingly offered to give one of his kidneys to his sister, "Susan and I have the same blood type, and I will be her kidney donor when the time comes."

Just one month after Susan's transplant, David's other sister, Christine, went on dialysis at 18 years of age. She too did peritoneal dialysis and was listed for a kidney transplant. In July 1991 she received a kidney from a deceased donor, and today Christine is married and mother to four children. She is an attorney, community volunteer and active in the disability community. Kidney failure struck their family once more as David's brother Ken started dialysis at the age of 19. He received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor in 1991, four days before Christine received hers. Ken's kidney transplant allowed him to become an attorney and writer. In February 2010, Ken's transplant failed and went on dialysis for the second time in his life. True to this family's generous form, their brother (and fellow float rider) Rick was tested as a potential living donor, and in December 2010, Ken received Rick's kidney.

David's outlook on life has been shaped in part by kidney disease. "Throughout my life and my career as a professional baseball player, knowing the daily struggles of my family has always been a driving force for me to never take a day for granted," he said. "I felt it was my obligation to always do my best because I owed it to my brother and sisters. I was fortunate to be able to become a two-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and a World Series MVP. Most of all, during this time I have been a zealous advocate of organ donation and education alongside my wife, actress Ashley Eckstein. When the time comes, I will be proud to add kidney donor to my list of achievements."