Pictures tell the story of this beloved Teacher's life
Gracias por estar aquí.
Hoy por ti, mañana por mí.
Student Testimonial
“You taught me to believe in myself and in what I’m capable of. I carried your words through high school, college, and now even while earning my master’s degree. You were a huge inspiration to me for many years.”
Watch Meredith's Kidney Drive Launch on WGN TV
Meredith's Story...
Meredith has spent nearly three decades serving children and families as a teacher. For many of her students, her classroom has been more than a place to learn. It has been a place of encouragement, faith, and support during some of the most important years of their lives.
Her passion for teaching has always been rooted in a simple belief: every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving great things.
Over the years Meredith has taught thousands of students. Many of them remain connected to her today — not just because she was their teacher, but because she cared deeply about the people they were becoming.
Her faith is an important part of who she is. Meredith believes that service is one of the ways we live out our faith — by helping others, encouraging those who are struggling, and standing beside people when life becomes difficult.
Even while facing kidney disease, Meredith continues to focus on the same things that have guided her life for many years: faith, service, and community.
If she receives a transplant, Meredith hopes to continue doing what she loves most — teaching, mentoring young people, and supporting the families and communities she has served for nearly three decades.
She also hopes to use her experience to encourage others who may be facing difficult health challenges, and to raise awareness about kidney disease and the importance of living kidney donation.
For Meredith, this journey is not only about receiving help. It is also about continuing the life of service that has always defined who she is.
Testimonials from Meredith's Students
"She is the kind of person who makes you feel blessed because you know her. I’ve been blessed for 26 years. I first met her at 7 years old as my Bible teacher, and she made learning fun. She was kind, enthusiastic, and deeply interested in us as people. Her classroom was a safe haven after school — a place for snacks, advice, a hug, or simply peace. Through the years, she became the person you wanted to share good news with because she was genuinely happy for you. She has always gone above and beyond for others, never asking for anything in return. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of finding her donor."
"When I was in her classroom, she pushed me to strive for excellence and reminded me that I did not have to become a product of my environment. That lesson stayed with me long after I left her class. She did not just teach academics — she showed me what strength, grace, and determination look like. Seeing her as a strong Black woman gave me someone to look up to. What means the most is that when I left her classroom, I did not leave her life. She has continued to check on me, support me, and pour wisdom into me over the years. I’m so grateful for her."
"She never turned a student away. Her classrooms were more than classrooms — they were safe spaces. They were places to talk, be heard, get help, and feel cared for. She has been HOME for countless students over the years. People know her by many titles — teacher, counselor, mentor, advisor — but for me, she has been another mom. She is more than deserving of this life-changing gift."
Meredith's Journey and The People That Know Her Best
Q: What one thing in your life explains who you are?
A: Faith, Trust and Loyal Relationships... It's about Servanthood and helping others.
“She didn’t just teach academics—she showed me what strength, grace, and determination look like. Seeing her as a strong Black woman gave me someone to look up to. What means the most is that when I left her classroom, I didn’t leave her life. She has continued to support and guide me for years.” - Former Student
Q: How did you learn your kidneys were failing?
A: My primary care doctor looked at my bloodwork and referred me to a nephrologist at Northwestern.
“From the beginning she wasn’t just a teacher—she was a role model, an inspiration, and family. Her support continued through every chapter of my life. She was there at my high school graduation, checked in on me during college, and proudly attended my college graduation. She has been an instrumental part of my village, my growth, and my foundation.” - Former Student
Q: You teach full-time and do dialysis? How?
A: God's grace and mind-over-matter. This is my journey and my students' energy propels me.
“Her classrooms were more than classrooms - they were safe spaces. They were places to talk, get help, and feel cared for. She has been HOME for countless students over the years.” - Former Student
Q: How are you handling this emotionally?
A: Prayer and the encouragement of my friends, family and village! But through grace and the Word of God, I have faith, hope and gratitude.
Q: How will your life change if you get a new kidney?
A: I will advocate and mentor others who are going through the same journey.
“Her classroom was a safe haven after school—a place for snacks, advice, a hug, or simply peace. She has always gone above and beyond for others without asking for anything in return. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of finding her donor.” - Former Student
See The Magical Moment When Kidney Donors Meet the People They Saved
Student Testimonial
“In grade school she was my teacher guiding and encouraging me to pursue my education. Years later she became my daughter’s kindergarten teacher. Watching the woman who shaped my life now teach my child was one of the most powerful full-circle moments of my life.” - Parent & Former Student
Meet The Heroes That Inspired Me
(Mom/Julia Briscoe, Arlene White, Marva Collins, Nelson Mandela)
Interesting Facts
Among communities of color, African Americans are the largest group in need of organ transplants overall. Data from 2020 shows that African Americans make up 31.4% of candidates on the kidney transplant waiting list but only 8% of living kidney donors. That’s in contrast to White Americans who represent 34.9% of candidates and 71.4% of living donors (Source: Boston Medical Center)
Living donor transplants offer (Source: Mayo Clinic):
- better survival
- faster recovery
- longer-lasting kidney function