To-Do List #73 - Make a Difference

On Valentine's Day, this year, my Mother and I lost a friend, Susie "Goofynina" Trevino. Susie was suffering from ESRD, Kidney Failure. My Mother is suffering from the same thing.

The first time we met Susie was at the Ihatedialysis.com meet up in Las Vegas, NV. Mom and I were talking in a casino and saw this woman with a permanent grin on her face walking through the casino. We noticed her right away, how could you not? She was wearing a purple boa, a tiara and a sash that said "Drama Queen". She was wonderful, kind, happy, sweet and loving to each and every one of us that weekend. It was an honor to meet her.

When we got the call of Susie's death, I knew I had to do something. That night I created a team for the National Kidney Foundation's Triangle Kidney Walk. The team's name was Walking for Nana and Nina. Nana, for my mother and Nina, for Susie (Goofynina).

We began raising money immediately and within a week had raised over $3,000! My whole family and several family friends joined the team... The whole process, raising money, seeing peoples generosity was overwhelming.

On March 29th, 5 weeks after Susie's death. 27 team members, and hundreds others, walked 5k to honor my Mother and Susie. When we arrived, it was a bit gloomy outside, but everyone's spirits were so high. Carina, the organizer of this event who is on the National Kidney Foundation staff, told the local news to interview Mom. She thought our family was wonderful and had a great story.


It was a cold day, everyone on the team had their team shirts on with a green ribbon, Eiffel tower and a tiara! As soon as we started walking it began raining! But that is okay, we soldiered on (and froze a little bit) through the 5k.

At the end of the walk we all moved inside to a warmer and a bit more dry area. Carina, the amazing organizer of the walk and who works for the National Kidney Foundation, began to present the Walk Awards. We were all so excited for my brother Todd when he won top fundraiser! His total was well over $3,000!


Our team also got the grand prize award of top fundraising team! Our team raised over $7,000! That is $3,000 over our team goal! The trophy we received is HUGE! The trophy will travel each year to the top team, yes, that's right, we have our own version of the Stanley Cup!!! Great, right?

For all of you who donated or who were keeping us in there hearts on Saturday, I thank you and my family thanks you.