From leukemia survivor to nurse practitioner to mother
At 22, Heather was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After bone marrow transplant and years of recovery, she became a nurse practitioner, built her family through adoption with two beautiful children, and now faces kidney failure from long-term treatment effects. Her resilience and hope continue to inspire everyone around her.
The heart behind this journey
Heather, Shawn, Landon, and Haven represent a family bound by love, resilience, and hope. Together, they're building a life of meaning and community support.
Nurse practitioner, leukemia survivor, advocate
Heather Carpenter Dunn
Heather is a dedicated nurse practitioner whose journey through acute myeloid leukemia and bone marrow transplant has shaped her deep commitment to helping others. As a mother of two through adoption, she brings lived experience and clinical expertise to her work.
Licensed therapist, school counselor, family advocate
Shawn Carpenter Dunn
Shawn brings compassion and professional expertise as both a licensed therapist and school counselor. His commitment to emotional wellbeing and community support has been instrumental in creating a foundation of hope for the family throughout this journey.
Son, family advocate
Landon
Landon represents the next generation of kindness and awareness. As a member of the family, he understands the importance of supporting loved ones and helping others recognize the gift of living kidney donation.
Daughter, family advocate
Haven
Haven embodies resilience and compassion beyond her years. Growing up in a family shaped by medical challenges and triumph, she's learned the power of community and the importance of standing together through life's greatest moments.
Community changes everything
We believe living kidney donation saves lives. Heather Carpenter Dunn's mission is to connect patients with willing donors, remove barriers to testing, and show that hope paired with community action creates real outcomes. Your support matters.
Stories that inspire change
Real people share how Heather's journey has moved them to action and deepened their understanding of living donation.
Learning about Heather's strength as a leukemia survivor and nurse practitioner made me realize I could help save a life. Her openness inspired me to get tested.
Marcus Johnson
Potential living donor
Heather's story about building her family through adoption and now facing this challenge reminded me that resilience comes in many forms. I wanted to support her.
Patricia Gomez
Family supporter
As a nurse myself, I was moved by Heather's dual role as caregiver and patient. Hearing her story made me understand the real human impact of living donation.
David Chen
Registered nurse
I didn't know much about living kidney donation until I read Heather's journey. Now I'm sharing her story with my faith community because it matters.
Sarah Williams
Community volunteer
Heather's honesty about her kidney failure and her hope for a match gave me courage to explore whether I could be a donor. Her family's grace is remarkable.
James Rodriguez
Prospective living donor
Ready to make a difference in Heather's life?
Whether you're interested in becoming a donor, learning more, or sharing Heather's story, every action brings us closer to finding a match.
We'd love to hear from you
Reach out anytime with questions about living kidney donation, Heather's story, or how you can help. Contact us directly or fill out the form on our contact page.