In the  heart of Guatemala’s beautiful landscapes, Erin Saotome, a fearless kidney donor from Howell, Michigan, defied all expectations by conquering not one, not two, but 3 volcanoes! Saotome, armed with the spirit of the journey, joined the ranks of nearly 20 different donors for a tremendous occasion orchestrated by way of the trailblazing business enterprise Kidney Donor Athletes.

Embarking on this brilliant adventure, Saotome has become a residing testimony to the boundless opportunities after kidney donation. With simply one kidney, she fearlessly embraced the venture, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding kidney donation and display that it is not an insurmountable feat. “I want to show people (that kidney donation) doesn’t have to be this big, scary thing, and you can do it and you can save a life,” Saotome asserted.

How a kidney donor began her hiking journey

This bold escapade marks the second hike orchestrated through Kidney Donor Athletes. The inaugural One Kidney Climb scaled the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro in March 2022 to commemorate World Kidney Day. Saotome, having donated her kidney in February 2022 via a paired kidney donation, discovered herself uniquely positioned as the lone Michigander in this various institution of donors.

Her kidney donation adventure began with a selfless preference to resource her cousin, a motivation that continued even when she discovered she wasn’t an immediate match.

Unfazed, Saotome cast in advance with the donation technique, making sure her cousin obtained a like-minded donor while she saved a life someplace else. “I honestly didn’t give it much of a second thought,” she said.

Prior to the life-altering donation, Saotome confronted skepticism from cherished ones and grappled with uncertainties about the bodily toll it would take. It was in the course of this era of introspection that she stumbled upon Kidney Donor Athletes, and came across that converted her angle and provided a supportive network that would be pivotal in her Guatemala expedition.

As Saotome reflects on the tough hikes, she emphasizes the bodily and intellectual challenges encountered, in particular during the grueling 14-hour ascent of the third volcano. “It got really tough,” she admitted, “We all, I think, had moments where we got a little bit in our head (but) everyone was in the same mindset, and we were able to push each other through and cheer each other on.” 

ALSO READ: Hiking Couple Rescued on Moanalua Middle Ridge After Hours-Long Missing Report Finds Cause in Weather Challenges

Standing tall in front of every challenge

For Saotome, each volcano presented a unique challenge, with the third climb proving to be specifically disturbing, notwithstanding grappling with ankle troubles on the second ascent. Despite the hurdles, she triumphed over all three, cementing her fame as an indomitable pressure.

Saotome, now basking in the afterglow of her notable enjoyment, unearths the challenge of encapsulating the profound effect it had on her. Yet, she underscores the enduring relationships solid with fellow donors throughout the journey, emphasizing the shared motive that brings them together.

Kidney Donor Athletes not only empowered Saotome to overcome volcanoes, but additionally instilled the confidence to enroll in her first race in 2022. Looking ahead, she aspires to feature Mount Kilimanjaro in her hiking repertoire, a testimony to the transformative power of embracing life publish-kidney donation.

Saotome hopes her awe-inspiring journey conjures up others to bear in mind kidney donation, emphasizing the simplicity of saving a lifestyles by way of sharing the spare.

“We don’t need two kidneys, so you may as well give one to someone who does,” the champion woman said.

Watch this story: 12-Year-Old Brave Hiker Saves Himself From Lion During Solo Trip