In June 2012, Natasha Kruse was 39 when she donated her kidney altruistically through a kidney exchange program to a young man at UCLA. After years of research, she knew she was ready. "I thought to myself, I'm healthy and this feels like a very natural way for me to give to someone in need," said Natasha, a psychologist. Natasha's mother, Reenie Harris, was at the hospital when Natasha donated her kidney and accidentally met her daughter's recipient family Reenie was so moved by the experience that she decided to become an altruistic donor, as well. Mother and daughter will walk together alongside the float to inspire others to save lives through living donation.

Natasha's Story

Dr. Natasha Kruse's journey that led her to donate her kidney altruistically began decades earlier. A psychologist in Los Angeles, she had been conducting personal research and after significant advancement in transplant procedures, she was ready to donate her kidney in June 2012 to someone in need.

"I thought to myself, I'm healthy and this feels like a very natural way for me to give to someone in need," said Natasha, a psychologist. "I understand this choice is not for everyone, but I imagine there are many people who, if given the information about donating a kidney, would see the benefit and make the choice to potentially save someone's life."

Natasha was 39 at the time of her transplant. She participated through a kidney exchange program, in which someone agrees to donate his or her kidney to a stranger in need, and matches are created. The chain keeps going from there as long as matches can be found. She explained "In the spirit of this chain effect, many sick individuals can receive the help they need."

Natasha's mother, Reenie Harris, was at the UCLA waiting room after Natasha's kidney surgery. Reenie accidentally met Natasha's recipient family there and was so moved by the experience that she decided to join her daughter and became a living donor at age 70. Natasha and Reenie will receive the respect of millions for their gifts when they walk together alongside the float on New Year's Day.

Natasha concluded, "The way I look at it is that we only live once and if I can live just as healthy a life with one kidney as I did with two, than it is worth donating to me. Pay it forward."