Danielle’s Story

Hi, I’m Danielle Roessle—a military spouse and mom to a 18-month-old son. On February 18, 2025, I received a life-saving kidney transplant. But soon after, it failed. 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 receiving a transplant, and having it fail.

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 here as a friend, a fellow patient, or simply curious about what this life is like with kidney disease, I hope you’ll follow along. This story is still unfolding.

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

Learn More About Becoming a Kidney Donor

PreviousNext
12345678

Blog

,

The Fleeting Nature of Gratitude

I don’t think people talk enough about the fleeting nature of immense gratitude and the sadness that comes with its fading. It creeps up in a walk or a moment, where gratitude and the recognition that it’s leaving come together. We also don’t talk about the slow, gradual mourning that follows as the mundane day-to-day life returns.
,

Tracking Every Step: Life with Kidney Disease and Hope for Recovery

Before, when I looked at my body on dialysis, I didn’t have much hope. Hiking, Pilates, strength training—things I once loved—felt like they belonged to someone else’s life, not mine. But now, as I begin to experience this third iteration of my body, I can see it differently.
,

A Week Post-Transplant: Healing, Gratitude, and the Road Ahead

Barney's been sick and being away from him has been tough. I have to remind myself: this is what I fought for. To be here. To have more time with him, even if it means waiting a little longer now.

Signup for the Newsletter