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
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, more family dinners, more 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!