02/02/2026
Meet a woman whose life is defined not by illness—but by love, faith, and hope.
This is my friend Toni…
She describes herself in three simple words: optimistic, God-fearing, and confident. Anyone who knows her would add another—selfless. She’s the kind of person who makes others feel seen by truly listening, by asking about their lives, by caring in quiet but powerful ways.
Of all the roles she’s held—wife, sister, daughter—the one she treasures most is mother. She’s proud beyond words of raising a daughter who makes a positive impact on others. Watching that tiny human grow into a responsible, values-driven adult has been one of her life’s greatest joys.
Her heart for others has always come naturally. She once took an elderly neighbor to the hospital and stayed by her side until every test was done. She’s known for laughing easily, loving food, helping neighbors when she can, and filling rooms with warmth. Some of her most cherished memories are from growing up in Nigeria—surrounded by cousins and grandparents in the village, wrapped in family and community.
In January 2013, her life changed when she learned she needed a kidney transplant.
For years, she balanced full-time work with 16 hours a week on dialysis—plus the driving, the exhaustion, the discipline it demanded. As time passed and her body grew weaker, working was no longer possible. Kidney disease took away spontaneity. It made traveling to see her mother and siblings nearly impossible. It placed strict limits on food, fluids, and freedom.
But it never took her faith.
Even on the hardest days, she holds on to gratitude and a deep trust in God—believing that a donor will come at the right time. Her family carries that hope too, even as they worry constantly about her well-being.
She still has so much life to live.
She dreams of traveling again. Of sitting freely at a table without fear of restrictions. Of drinking water without counting ounces. Of visiting her mother and siblings. Most of all, she longs to be present for the moments that matter—her daughter’s graduation, and one day, her wedding.
Receiving a kidney wouldn’t just change her life. It would bring peace of mind to her husband, her daughter, and especially her mother. One donor has the power to transform an entire family’s future.
She wants people to know this: you can live a full, healthy life with one kidney. The risk of donating is minimal—but the reward is immeasurable. One “yes” is life-saving. Life-changing. A ripple that extends further than you can imagine.
If you’re reading this, she wants you to know that anything you can do helps. Registering as an organ donor. Sharing this post. Even taking a simple blood test to see if donation is possible. You don’t have to be perfect—there may be a part of you that’s just right for someone else.
Her family leans on faith right now. As her mother always says, “Let go and let God.” She’s living by that, every day.
Life is short. Whatever we can do to help one another matters more than we know.
One act of compassion. One generous decision. One life—saved.
From Toni:
Even if you are not able to donate, sharing my story could help me reach someone who can. Your support, prayers, and willingness to spread awareness mean more to me than I can express.
How do I get more information: If you are interested in being a donor, you can;
*Call UCLA at 866-672-5333
*Complete an online questionnaire at uclakidneydonor.org
*Send an email to [email protected]
Please know that you don’t have to be the same age, race, gender or same blood type as me to donate. UCLA will determine who can donate.
Thank you and God Bless.
Toni
