(MONTCLAIR, NJ) – March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney health and the urgent need for lifesaving organ and tissue donation. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 37 million Americans are living with kidney disease, and nearly 90,000 people are currently waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant.
For Dr. Faith Krausman of Montclair, those statistics became personal on July 7, 2015, when she received a lifesaving kidney transplant.
“I am alive and thriving because someone said yes to organ donation,” said Dr. Krausman. “Whether through living donation or by registering now as an organ and tissue donor to one day leave the gift of life as your legacy, that single decision can save lives. If sharing my story inspires even one person to register as a donor, it’s worth it.”
Dr. Krausman is the owner of Vet-On-Wheels, a mobile veterinary practice serving northern New Jersey. In 1990, she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic condition that gradually led to kidney failure. As her kidney function declined, she became increasingly fatigued but continued working and staying active while preparing for transplant.
Facing the reality that she would soon need a kidney; Dr. Krausman shared a heartfelt letter titled “I Need a Kidney” with her close friends and book group. Among the book group members was Judy Summers of Short Hills, a devoted math tutor, mother, and grandmother known for her generosity in supporting numerous charitable causes. True to her nature, Judy quietly sought evaluation for living kidney donation and was soon identified as the transplant match Dr. Krausman needed.
“When Judy told me she was going to be my donor, I was overwhelmed,” said Dr. Krausman. “I am so grateful it’s beyond words. Every single day I feel blessed to have this gift of life.”
The transplant surgery was successful, and her new kidney worked immediately. Within months, she returned to veterinary medicine – and soon after, to running, biking, yoga, and performing music.
In fact, the transplant opened an unexpected new chapter. Dr. Krausman returned to college to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies and saxophone performance, graduating in May 2023. Today, in addition to treating animals throughout the region, she maintains an active musical career performing in jazz ensembles.
“The goal of transplant is to give you your life back,” she said. “I wasn’t restricted. I was restored.”
Dr. Krausman and Judy celebrate their “kidney-versary” each July with a special dinner and participate annually in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life. Their team’s name, “Keeping the Faith,” reflects both gratitude and hope.
Judy has often said that seeing Dr. Krausman thrive is the greatest reward. As Dr. Krausman shares, “She tells me that giving me her kidney and watching me live my life fully makes her happier than any gift I could ever buy her.”
By sharing her story during National Kidney Month, Dr. Krausman hopes more people will register as organ and tissue donors and consider living donation.
“One person’s decision can change everything,” she said. “You only need one kidney to live – but you can give someone else an entire future.”
PHOTO CAPTION #1 – Montclair Veterinarian Dr. Faith Krausman (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #2 – Dr. Faith Krausman and her living kidney donor Judy Summers (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #3 – (From Left) Ed and Judy Summers join Ron Kaplan, Dr. Faith Krausman, their daughter Rachel Kaplan, and Stafford Enck as they prepare to participate in NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life. (Photo credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
