My Kidney Donation Story: Nicole Cheslock 

My only regret is not stepping up sooner. 

In February 2020, my son Jake and I visited my parents in Florida. During our trip, my dad wasn’t feeling well and was in and out of doctor’s appointments. As our visit ended, my parents dropped us off at the airport and went straight to the emergency room. A couple of days later, we learned that my dad was in kidney failure and would need to start dialysis. At the time, I had to Google what dialysis was—and, frankly, it sounded awful. 

My family had been fortunate with good health, following my maternal grandmother’s philosophy of eating well and avoiding the medical field whenever possible. She lived to be 102. I had a wonderful childhood, filled with adventures that my dad often planned. My brother, sister and I spent countless hours outdoors, exploring new places and going on family vacations inspired by my dad’s reading. Our kitchen was filled with the aroma of delicious meals and our home was a gathering spot for family and friends celebrating birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, communions and just about any other opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and good food. 

When I heard about my dad’s diagnosis, I did not hesitate to volunteer to donate one of my kidneys. There was a complication: my dad was strongly opposed to anyone potentially putting themselves at risk. Despite his initial adjustment to dialysis, the reality set in. His condition worsened and the pain became unbearable, a daily and nightly struggle that only intensified. Over the course of a year—and then another—my parents dealt with this chronic hardship while I filled the days during the pandemic with activities and outdoor escapes with my son. 

Finally, in March 2022, I took action. After completing the medical history and pre-workup labs, I told my dad that I was moving forward with the living donor evaluation. Given the pain my dad was enduring, I regret not doing it sooner. 

On my dad’s 77th birthday, I went into surgery, surrounded by the support of my mom and sister and good wishes from family and friends across the country. Throughout the process, there was absolutely no external pressure to donate. I spent two nights in the hospital, truly rested for three weeks afterward, and was back to my normal activity level within two months. 

My sister made recovery possible. She was the perfect caregiver, offering comforting company, preparing nourishing meals and taking slow walks with me around Tampa. Truth be shared, we also binge-watched Yellowstone. 

Now, the only lasting reminder of my donation is a small scar near my belly button and a heightened attention to staying hydrated. I’m back to running around, playing kickball with my son, hiking, skiing, swimming, and walking. In addition to continuing a healthy diet and staying active, I’m following the nurses’ advice to avoid ice hockey and wrestling.  

My dad is doing remarkably well. He swims every morning and is back to his culinary passions. 

Having Jon Sullenberger as a mentor was kismet. His calm and honest communication brought comfort and guidance during the process. Little did I know at the time, my donation would lead to a new role as a microsite donor mentor with the National Kidney Registry. This position is incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to help guide others through the decision-making process and share my experiences. The generosity, curiosity, and passion of individuals considering kidney donation—whether for a family member, friend, or stranger—is inspiring.

About the Author

Nicole Cheslock lives in the stunning North Lake Tahoe area where she enjoys breathtaking views of the lake beneath the brilliant blue sky. As a mom, she treasures time with her son and enjoys reading, visiting family and friends on the East Coast and volunteering at Tahoe Lake Elementary School. Nicole is thrilled to be part of the National Kidney Registry team and work for an organization based in her hometown. She considers donating her kidney one of the best decisions she’s ever made—not just because it helped her parents but also because it set an example for her son. Nicole began her career at Morgan Stanley in New York City after a stint in advertising. She later transitioned to handling public relations for various local clients. She holds degrees from Stanford Graduate School of Education and Vanderbilt University. One of her goals is to beat her previous year’s time in the Donor Games 1-Mile Swim.