Allison Marietta

• Donor Mentor
• Living Kidney Donor

Allison’s donation journey began in 2016 when Mason, the infant son of a close family friend, went into kidney failure. His parents weren’t compatible with his blood type (they both had Type A, while he was Type O). Allison decided to research whether kidney donation was something she could consider. Since she was Type O, why not? Some time passed as Mason needed to grow big enough for a transplant. In 2017, Allison tested to be his direct donor, but she wasn’t a good match.

The pediatric transplant center was only looking for a direct donor. Allison decided to be his advocate since she couldn’t be his donor. With the approval of his family, she took to social media to get his story out there. The community was amazing, and there was a lot of interest in potential donors. He was a tough match, and they didn’t have any luck finding the right donor.

At the end of 2018, the pediatric transplant center was prepared to collaborate with the corresponding adult transplant center, an NKR-affiliated center. The paired exchange was now available! Allison registered and began the donor evaluation to determine whether she could be the donor in the paired exchange with Mason. She was approved as a donor, and Mason was approved for a transplant. They became the first pair for the centers to work together utilizing the NKR. In December 2019, Allison donated her kidney to a man in NYC, and Mason received a kidney from a young man in Chicago.

They both recovered well. Allison’s team deemed her an atypical donor because of how smooth her recovery was. Mason was released from the hospital sooner than expected, needing minimal medication! They share a special bond of donation, and Mason received his kidney on Allison’s birthday. It’s a day they will always cherish and celebrate together!

Before stepping into the mentor role, Allison built a successful 20-year career as a dedicated hairstylist. She developed strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills during that time. Her passion for helping others, both personally and professionally, was the stepping stone that led her to mentoring. Supporting and educating donors while advocating for kidney donation has become her passion.

Allison lives just outside of Philadelphia with her husband and their three dogs. She’s fortunate to live minutes away from Mason and his family, allowing her to watch him thrive and grow. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs, tackling DIY projects and crafts, listening to true crime podcasts, and cheering on the Phillies. One of the most meaningful experiences in her life has been her journey as a living kidney donor—a decision that continues to bring her deep fulfillment.