BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. — Andrea Samson, a 30-year-old EMT, is once again in need of a life-saving kidney donation. Her family has launched a national effort, “Be a Hero, Save a Hero,” to find an altruistic donor for the three-time transplant patient.
Born with a rare immune deficiency called Membrano-Proliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN), Andrea faced serious kidney complications from an early age. At just three years old, she developed severe hypertension and spent nearly six weeks hospitalized—a period her mother, Juliette Samson, described as harrowing.
“She was very ill from the day she was born,” Juliette Samson said. “She told me at age three, ‘If you’re crying, Mom, you’re not helping me. Please don’t cry.’ That’s exactly who she is—she faces her challenges and focuses on the positive.”
Andrea’s first kidney transplant came at age 14, donated by her father. Her second transplant, at age 20, was given by a nurse in Bethlehem, Pa. Both surgeries restored her health and energy, but over time, her kidney function has declined, leading to the need for a third transplant.
“Someone needs to advocate for the patient. It takes a village,” Juliette Samson said. “We’ve had incredible support through Facebook, websites, local news outlets, even the NASDAQ tower, to share Andrea’s story.”
Andrea’s journey is documented at shareasparekidney.com, where potential donors can learn more about her story. Juliette Samson said she hopes to inspire others to consider living donation.
“Being a donor doesn’t jeopardize your health,” she said. “When you save one life, it’s as if you save the world.”
Looking to Andrea’s future, Juliette Samson shared a mother’s heartfelt wish: “I wish for Andrea to be healthy and to achieve all her dreams. I hope she can build her acupuncture practice, help others with kidney disease, and continue living life to the fullest. That’s all any mother could wish for her child.”
Despite ongoing health challenges, Andrea leads a remarkable life. She works as an EMT, tutors children in physics, biology, and mathematics, and pursues a master’s degree in acupuncture with the goal of integrating eastern and western medicine. Her mother describes her as resilient, tenacious, and committed to her goals despite living with only 20% kidney function.
“Andrea is full of life, and we want her to continue living it to the fullest,” Juliette Samson said. “We are forever grateful for the support we’ve received and hope someone steps forward to be her hero.”
Video Credit: Marlena Chesner, Digital Content Development Manager of the National Kidney Foundation – Juliette Samson discusses her daughter Andrea’s urgent need for a kidney donor in an interview with Marlena Chesner, Digital Content Development Manager at the National Kidney Foundation.
Video Credit: Angie Assal, of @holisticwellnessawareness – Volunteer EMT and acupuncture student Andrea Samson, 30, shares her journey living with rare kidney disease and her urgent need for a third kidney. Recent breakthroughs in xenotransplant research offer hope for thousands of patients like her awaiting donation.
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