Danielle’s Story

Hi, I’m Danielle Roessle, a military spouse and mother of a one-year-old son. On February 18th, 2025, I received a life-saving kidney transplant—an event that changed my life forever. This is my journey.


I was a healthy, active woman until I gave birth to my son in February 2024. Complications during delivery changed everything—I lost my kidneys and suddenly found myself navigating motherhood while fighting for my life.

Since then, I’ve documented my journey—from surviving dialysis as a new mom to launching a kidney campaign in search of a living donor, to now embracing life post-transplant.

Through my vlogging and writing, I explore not just my own experience but the deeper realities of living with chronic illness, navigating the medical system, and, most importantly, the life-saving impact of organ donation. My hope is to spark deeper reflection, educate, and inspire meaningful conversations.

Whether you’re a friend following my updates, a fellow patient navigating your own journey, or simply curious about the life-changing power of organ donation, I invite you to follow along. It’s been a wild, emotional ride—and I’m just beginning to scratch the surface…

Interested in becoming a living kidney donor? Learn more through DOVE, a nonprofit supporting veterans in need.

Blog

Transplant Meeting

After a rough night with a migraine, I’m feeling better and ready to share details from my recent four-hour transplant team meeting. The session deepened my understanding of the process, and I’m grateful for my family’s support. Stay tuned for more updates!

Finding Meaning in Pain

Recently, I’ve been grappling with persistent pain that’s forced me to confront it head-on. After a tough day with dialysis and a severe migraine, I’m reflecting on pain’s deeper significance, exploring how it might teach me resilience and spiritual growth.

A Special Moment with Baby Barney

Parenthood is full of precious moments. Today, despite the challenges, I shared a special first with Barney, lying beside him as he played with my sweatshirt drawstrings. It was a simple, heartwarming moment that deepened our bond—one I'll cherish forever.

Signup for the Newsletter