Walking for Dylan’s Journey: Our 2026 Kidney Walk

It’s that time of year again—time for our annual fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation.

Every year, when I sit down to write this, I’m reminded of something that kidney disease has taught our family: kidney disease doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It affects an entire family.

For us, it’s personal.

Our son Dylan has faced more challenges because of kidney disease than most people will experience in a lifetime. His journey has included setbacks, uncertainty, two kidney transplants, and more difficult days than any parent should have to watch their child endure.

But it has also been a journey filled with incredible generosity, resilience, hope, and love.

And today, Dylan is doing great. In fact, I’ve never seen him happier.

Dylan and his donor, Jaclyn, now share a home in Southbury, and watching their life together unfold has been one of the great joys of our family’s journey. Their story continues to inspire all of us and reminds us just how much a kidney transplant can change a life.

Walking Together for Kidney Disease

On October 18, 2026, our family will once again come together as Team Dylan’s Journey for the National Kidney Foundation Connecticut Kidney Walk at Hubbard Park in Meriden.

We walk for Dylan.

We walk for the thousands of people living with kidney disease every day.

We walk for the families who sit beside hospital beds, wait for transplant calls, navigate dialysis, and hope for better treatment options.

And we walk for those who are still waiting for their second chance.

The Kidney Walk helps raise critical funds for kidney disease research, patient education, advocacy, and programs that support individuals and families throughout their journey.

Will You Walk With Us?

Once again, I’m asking our friends, family, colleagues, and everyone who has followed Dylan’s Journey over the years to help us make an even bigger impact.

If Dylan’s story has ever inspired you—or if you simply believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for a healthier future—I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider making a donation to Team Dylan’s Journey.

Every contribution matters. Whether it’s $10, $25, $50, or more, your donation helps support research, better treatments, increased transplant opportunities, and ultimately the hope of finding a cure.

Support Team Dylan’s Journey

And if you’re not able to donate, there’s another simple way you can help: share our story.

You never know who might see it, who might be inspired to give, or whose life might someday be changed because someone decided to help.

Thank you for continuing to follow Dylan’s Journey, for cheering him on, and for standing with our family through all the twists and turns along the way.

We are incredibly grateful.

We’ll see you at the Walk.

— Mark

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