Collection: Restore

release date 05.27.2024

a series about growth, renewal, fluidity, and second chances 

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In 2023 I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called IgA Nephropathy. Unfortunately, by the time we found out, I was already in stage 5 kidney failure with just 13% of my kidney function left. Dialysis quickly followed, and I spent the rest of that year unable to create anything. At the end of 2023, I got my kidney transplant. 

Thanks to my big brother, I got my new kidney in the same year that I was diagnosed with kidney failure. So many people have to wait years for a transplant. Some never receive their transplant at all and have to spend the rest of their lives on dialysis. I waited just 288 days from official diagnosis to transplant. It felt like forever, but it was so little compared to most. 

All of the pieces in this collection started as doodles while I was recovering from surgery. I felt inspired in a way that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was so cool finally to feel that way again. Restore is my first collection since my transplant. 

Creating this was healing. Lately, I've been filled with this urge to try new things, to challenge my body, and to explore things outside of my comfort zone. This collection represents all of that, and I'm beyond grateful that I get to share it. 

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To read more about becoming a living kidney donor, you can go here, or just ask me. I'd love to share what I've learned and help you save someone's life.