KIDNEY HERO GIVING MONTH
Every August, we honor the remarkable courage of kidney patients who face the daily challenges of dialysis, transplant waitlists, and the uncertainty that comes with kidney disease, as well as the extraordinary generosity of living donors who give the ultimate gift so that others might live fuller, healthier lives. We also celebrate the tireless dedication of the healthcare professionals who guide patients and donors through every step of their journey.
This month, you have the opportunity to turn appreciation into action. By donating to a kidney hero campaign below, you empower that honoree to direct your contribution to the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana service or program that means the most to them. Whether it's a patient assistance fund, donor support services, or professional education initiatives, your gift lets the people who inspire us choose exactly how their honor translates into impact. Join us in making this August a month of gratitude, generosity, and lasting impact.
Meet NKFL's Kidney Heroes
Angelique Haydel
MSHCM, BSN, RN
Manning Family Children's Hospital
Leading by example, living with purpose, and learning at every opportunity isn't just my work philosophy—it's the way I approach every patient, every family, and every day. As an RN Clinical Supervisor in Dialysis and Apheresis Services at Manning Family Children's, I have the privilege of caring for children facing kidney disease, helping them navigate treatments while supporting the people who love them most. This is not an easy journey and it certainly isn't fair, but these incredible children inspire me daily with their courage and resilience, reminding me why compassion, hope, and continuous learning are so important in pediatric healthcare. One of the greatest joys of my work is seeing our patients experience the magic of the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana's Kidney Kamp—a place where they can simply be kids, surrounded by friends who understand their journey. I am truly honored to be recognized as a Kidney Hero because this recognition shines a light on the remarkable children and families I have the privilege to serve. Every dollar donated to my Kidney Hero campaign will directly help send children with kidney disease to Kidney Kamp, giving them an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, confidence, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for helping make that experience possible.
Matthew " Matt" Kelly
U.S. Marine
Living Organ Donor
I served in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years. During my time in the Marines, I learned the importance of service, commitment, and being there for the people who depend on you. Those values became deeply personal when my sister, Kaitlyn, needed a kidney transplant. Kaitlyn has Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic disorder that causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, reducing their function over time. By 2025, she was close to starting dialysis, and we scheduled her transplant in Boston.
For me, the decision to become her living kidney donor was simple. My sister needed help, and I was in a position to give it. I did not see it as an extraordinary act. I saw it as taking care of my family.
The transplant allowed Kaitlyn to avoid dialysis and move forward with a healthier life. Her recovery was more difficult than mine because she underwent three surgeries, but her new kidney began functioning impressively well and was ahead of schedule. Seeing that progress made every part of the journey worthwhile. My own recovery went better than I expected. By the fourth week after surgery, I was back up and running. The experience showed me that living organ donation can have a life-changing impact on another person while still allowing the donor to return to a full and active life.
I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Kidney Hero. To me, this recognition is not only about my story—it is an opportunity to support others whose lives have been affected by kidney disease. Every dollar raised during my Kidney Hero campaign will help fund the vital services and programs of the NKFL, providing education, resources, advocacy, and support to kidney patients, living donors, and their families. I am proud that this campaign can help make a difference for people throughout our community.
Becoming a living organ donor is a deeply personal decision, and it is important to learn about the process, speak with medical professionals, and understand what it means for you and your family. But for those who are able and willing, living donations offer something remarkable: the chance to give another person more time, better health, and renewed hope. I donated because my sister was in need. Today, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to help her, and I hope our story encourages others to learn more about living organ donation and the difference one person can make.
Jessica Farno, CPA
Living Organ Donor
Nearly 15 years ago, I had the privilege of working alongside an incredible woman named Sebrina Wright at the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. Years later, after I reluctantly rejoined Facebook simply to keep up with my children's school announcements, I saw Sebrina's heartfelt plea for a living kidney donor. I felt called to see if I could help. When I learned we shared the same blood type, I quietly began the long journey of testing. As a mother of five, I didn't make the decision lightly, but I knew I had to find out if I could help. When I received the call that I was a match, I reached out to Sebrina for the first time in 12 years and simply said, "Call me." I'll never forget hearing the emotion in her voice when I told her I could donate my kidney.
On July 1, we were wheeled into surgery together at Ochsner, and I was given the extraordinary opportunity to help change the course of her life. Donating a kidney has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. It reminded me that one person's decision can give another person more birthdays, family dinners, holidays, and more time.
I am truly honored to be recognized as a Kidney Hero because it gives me another opportunity to share my story and encourage others to consider the life-changing gift of living organ donation. Every donation made to my Kidney Hero campaign helps the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana provide education, advocacy, and patient support while raising awareness about the life-changing impact of living organ donation. If my story has touched your heart, I hope you'll consider supporting my campaign. Together, we can help save lives by raising awareness, supporting patients and families, and inspiring more people to consider becoming living donors. You never know whose life you might change!
The Puckett Family
Café Sydnie Mae
Living Organ Donor and Recipient
David Puckett’s (owner, Café Sydnie Mae, Breaux Bridge, LA) memory of first wanting to be a kidney donor for his daughter, Lauren:
“She started feeling bad; her grades started suffering, and so, long story short, we went to Tulane Hospital, and they determined that she was in kidney failure. I remember clearly we were ushered into this little, tiny room with a couple of doctors, and they started talking medical gibberish at the time. And they mentioned she’s going to have to give herself injections, and we have to get her on a transplant list. She needs a donor. All this was flying at me so fast. And I raised my hand, and sure enough, I was fortunate to be a donor.”