It is now 13 years since Heather Valencic received a kidney transplant from her mother, Susan Valencic, but every year she takes part in the Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo ? the nation’s second largest Kidney Walk. It is a time to celebrate.
‘The transplant made such a huge difference to my life, even allowing me to become a mom,? says Heather Valencic, 42, of Clarkston. ‘My son Andrew was born two and a half years after my new kidney and was the first baby born to a post-transplant mom at St. Joseph Mercy-Oakland.?
Valencic said her son, a fourth grader at Pine Knob Elementary, is healthy, has no kidney issues and loves participating in the walk each year with her 17 member team.
‘It’s my 10th year walking in the Kidney Walk, and the sixth year I’ve captained Team Valencic. It’s a huge deal for my family and friends. I’m always overwhelmed that people choose to support a cause I love,? she added.
Team Valencic joined more than 7,500 walkers and supporters at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s annual walk to fight kidney disease, May 17. Those fighting the disease were treated to free haircuts, massages, special foods and giveaways, and all participants enjoyed music, contests, games, face painting and a visit with Paws, the official Detroit Tiger’s Mascot. For more information, go to www.nkfm.org/walks.