Jennifer McClung is celebrating a big milestone in December.
Ten years ago, she had a life-saving kidney transplant. Since then, the Springville resident has committed her life to advocating for kidney and dialysis patients.
“I am an ambassador for Dialysis Patient Citizens,” McClung said. “I’ve gone to Washington D.C. and spoken to the different legislators about bills and laws that need to be passed that can help the kidney community.”
Second chances
McClung began receiving dialysis treatments when she was 16 years old because her kidneys were too small to support her growing body, she said. For many years, she received peritoneal dialysis at home while she slept at night.
In November 2015, Jennifer was placed on the waiting list and kept hope that the call would come sooner rather than later. Her mother said that she kept an overnight bag in her car and a full tank of gas, since doctors told them the call could come at any time.
On Dec. 3, 2015, McClung received a new kidney from a 14-year-old donor.
After recovering from transplant surgery, the 44-year-old woman devoted her life to living a meaningful and positive life, committed to helping the kidney community.
“Having a kidney transplant has changed my life,” McClung said. “It has opened doors for me. I don’t take this second chance for granted.”
Representing the Central Valley
McClung is part of a research team studying how transportation affects those on dialysis.
This year, she was chosen as one of 12 kidney patients from around the world as one of 2025’s Cele Champions. This award honors kidney patients, donors and care partners.
McClung was given a grant to Houston Texas to participate in Kidney Week with the American Society of Nephrology. This allowed McClung to get a behind the scenes look at what the medical staff get to learn and witness. She was there to represent and speak for the Central Valley kidney community.
Additionally, McClung runs The Valley Kidney Support Group with her friend Maria Grijalva. They host a meeting the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Evolutions Gym in Tulare and on Zoom. It is the only kidney support group from Bakersfield to Fresno.
For more information and support, check out these organizations:
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Tulare County woman becomes patient ambassador after life-saving transplant
Reporting by Meade Trueworthy, Special to Visalia Times-Delta / Visalia Times-Delta
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
