A 0.1 percent chance can sound impossible until you hear Cheyanne’s story. In this episode, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr sit down with Cheyanne Mitchell and her aunt Maria to talk about a journey marked by resilience, faith, and the relentless hope for a second chance. Cheyanne shares what life has looked like since being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, including a kidney transplant, the heartbreak of rejection, and the reality of now undergoing dialysis three times a week. Through it all, her determination remains unshaken and her belief that the right living donor is out there continues to fuel her fight.

We also break down the medical side of Cheyanne’s story in clear, understandable terms. Because of extremely high antibody levels, finding a direct donor match is rare. However, paired kidney exchange programs create new possibilities. Your kidney could help another recipient while their donor provides the kidney that matches Cheyanne. We talk about how the donor process works, the extensive screening that protects donor health, how insurance coverage is handled, and the privacy options available for those who choose to remain anonymous. The conversation also addresses common myths about living donation and explains why blood type alone does not determine compatibility.

Cheyanne’s story is part of a much larger reality. More than 90,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. That number includes people like Ben’s cousin Jordy, who is balancing dialysis while raising her one year old son. This episode becomes a reminder that hope often begins with a single act of courage. Cheyanne dreams of returning to a normal rhythm of life, stepping away from dialysis, building a career she loves, and eventually returning to school to become a veterinary technician. Faith, family, and community continue to carry her forward.

If this story moves you, consider taking the first step to see if you could help.

Start the living donor screening process here
https://www.osuwexmedlivingdonor.org/

Choose Named Recipient and enter Cheyanne Mitchell.

Even if you are not a direct match, programs like paired kidney exchange may allow your donation to help another recipient while their donor provides the kidney Cheyanne needs.

Find out if you may be a match
https://www.osuwexmedlivingdonor.org/

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