USA: At just 12 years old, Naomi Deerry is a young warrior on a mission of life and hope, shining a light on the urgent need for kidney transplantation. Inspired by the struggles of her own father, who needed a new kidney, Naomi has transformed personal heartbreak into a powerful platform for awareness. Her determination to find a living donor for her dad led her to pen a compelling book, addressing young readers facing similar fears about organ donation and health complications.
Now, through book signings and public readings, Deerry is not only advocating for her father but also highlighting the daunting challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing transplants. She points out that in many black communities, financial barriers and access to necessary medical care, including dialysis, complicate the journey toward receiving a kidney transplant. Her message is clear: awareness, education, and resource availability are paramount to improving outcomes for those in need.
Naomi’s efforts have gained recognition, landing her a spot on Time magazine’s inaugural Girls of the Year list, which celebrates ten young women across the globe making significant changes. This honor holds profound significance not just for Deerry but for her hometown of New Orleans and the broader United States. In sharing her journey, Naomi is reshaping the narrative around organ donation and inspiring her peers to believe their voices matter.
This young leader is breaking stereotypes and encouraging girls everywhere to rise and advocate for change. With aspirations of becoming a transplant surgeon, Naomi is not just dreaming—she is actively working to ensure that her father’s story ends in hope, underscoring the life-saving potential of transplantation. Through her courageous efforts, she proves that even a child’s voice can echo with the power to ignite change and save lives.
