241: How a Kidney Transplant started a mission to help Transplant Families-Cheryl + Kimmy’s Story

“Our goal wasn’t to build something huge overnight – it was to listen to families, fill the gaps, and take that first step.” – Cheryl Whitty

We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.

In this heartfelt episode, Katie sits down with mother-daughter duo, Cheryl Witty and  Kimmy Witty to hear the inspiring story of how their family journeyed through chronic kidney disease and how a kidney transplant led to the creation of the Children’s Transplant Initiative (CTI). Kimmy shares her personal experience of being diagnosed at age 12, receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, and how that experience fueled her passion for helping other families.

Kimmy is now a certified Child Life Specialist and shares how her experiences inspired her to choose this as her career.  Cheryl reflects on her journey of being a mother and caregiver and how CTI has grown to provide housing, financial assistance, and mentorship for transplant families across Texas. Cheryl and Kimmy shares her experience transitioning from pediatric to adult care and how the role of parents can shift as their children grow into adulthood.

🔑 Key Points:

• Kimmy’s Transplant Journey: Diagnosed at 12 with a rare kidney disease, Kimmy received a life-saving transplant from her father, inspiring her passion for helping others.
• Founding Children’s Transplant Initiative (CTI): Kimmy, Cheryl and Ross created CTI to support transplant families through mentorship, financial aid, and housing programs.
• Programs and Growth: CTI began by mentoring one family at a time and has grown to provide housing for families in Houston and Austin, with plans to expand to Dallas.
• Kimmy’s Career Path: Inspired by her experiences, Kimmy is starting as a Child Life Specialist  to support children facing medical challenges.
• Family Strength and Advocacy: Cheryl and Kimmy reflect on resilience, emphasizing how personal experiences can drive advocacy and create lasting impact for others.

✨ Takeaways for Listeners:

• The importance of starting small—CTI began with just one family in need.
• Pediatric transplant patients often face lifelong medical journeys, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and resources.
• Personal experiences can lead to powerful career paths—Kimmy’s journey inspired her to become a Child Life Specialist.

🌐 Links and Resources from today’s Episdoe 

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