Lauren Shields: From Advocate to Patient
Most of Lauren Shields’ life has been dedicated to assisting others in need of organ donations. Now, at 25, the Rockland County native finds herself in a vulnerable position—she needs a kidney herself.
Shields is searching for her third organ donation in the span of 16 years. It’s a struggle to keep hope alive amid her ongoing health challenges. “I’m on the lookout for a new kidney,” she shared recently.
“I’m really committed to being a good patient. I mean, I take my medication daily, never miss a dose, don’t smoke, and attend all my doctor appointments,” she noted on social media last week.
The journey has been long. At just eight years old, Shields faced a serious infection that compromised her heart, eventually leading to a heart transplant after a 15-day medically induced coma. That experience instilled in her a deep gratitude for life and motivated her to advocate for organ donation.
She began attending local events in the Lower Hudson Valley aimed at raising awareness about organ donation and even spoke at naturalization ceremonies, encouraging new citizens to consider signing up as donors.
At 12, she approached then-state Senator David Carlucci with the idea of a law to boost organ donor registration. Initially skeptical about his promise to stay in touch, Shields persevered and successfully rallied support from state legislators, resulting in a bill that requires residents to indicate their organ donor status when renewing driver’s licenses.
This initiative, known as Lauren’s Law, was signed into action by Governor Andrew Cuomo on October 4, 2012. “Being a part of that process was one of the highlights of my life,” Shields reflected, now working with Liveonny, an organization dedicated to promoting organ donation.
Yet, despite her achievements, Shields has faced significant hardships. In 2020, she needed a new kidney due to complications from her heart transplant, a challenge not uncommon for heart recipients. The transition to dialysis was grueling—emotionally and physically exhausting.
Despite some setbacks, Shields’ mother eventually donated a kidney to her, resulting in a successful transplant. However, a recent organ injury discovered in February has put her back in a precarious position. Now, with her kidney function at approximately 14%, she’s seeking help once again to avoid dialysis.
“I was utterly crushed, it’s possibly the worst news I’ve ever received,” Shields admitted. She’s hopeful for a living donor but recognizes that being on the waiting list could take three to five years.
“I value my independence,” she said, acknowledging the vulnerability in asking someone to undergo surgery to help her. “It’s a big request to ask someone to give a part of themselves.” Yet, she remains determined to find a donor, emphasizing the generosity of helping others.
For those interested in learning more about Shields’ journey and how they can assist, her National Kidney Registration Page provides further information.
