“Able to Watch It Erupt” – Avon Lake Native Sparks Organ Donation Awareness With Single-Kidney Climb at Volcanic Trio

Climbing for social betterment, one adventurer’s recent drives have stood out in the annals of thrill-seeking sports. Erin Saotome, a passionate advocate for living organ donation, made records with her latest venture, scaling three volcanic regions, that too within a week! While driving awareness among locals, her bold ascent saw another grand aspect, traveling with only one kidney. 

With her fruitful career as a speech pathologist from Detroit, Saotome’s climbing passion propelled her spirits, seizing triumphs in every take. Planning to conquer triple volcano tours, the Avon Lake native embarked on her incredible journey with 18 others, leading to a vivid route along the Guatemala area. Emphasizing the resilient possibilities of such demanding trips, her dedicated ordeal also generated funds for organ donation support. 

Climbing enthusiast creates thrilling landmarks 

Navigating the challenges of climbing volcanoes after donating her kidney in 2022, Saotome made history like never before. Credited to her zest for life radiated, she shared her belief in leading a full and active routine despite the recovery post-donation. 

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While this climbing venture was a testament to her unwavering camaraderie, Erin’s journey seemingly transcended her professional realm. Determined to extend her assistance, she undertook a strenuous target, running the Cleveland Half Marathon merely 13 weeks after the surgery. 

Remarkably, Saotome’s climbing prowess was further showcased as she braved the steep paths in Guatemala, each presenting physical as well as mental challenges. While her expedition highlighted the rewarding visual of a volcanic eruption, the bold ascender recalled candid memories from the scene, stating, “We were right next door to an active volcano.”

Organ donor seizes diverse achievements

Adding to her climbing accomplishments, Erin mentioned perceiving the lava show in real-time, as she noted, “We were able to watch it erupt.” Gaining about 5,000 feet in this heightened adventure, she claimed her final volcanic attempt to be the hardest among all three. 

As a part of the climbing group from the Kidney Donor Athletes organization, Saotome’s passionate feats took her to Central American terrain. Embodying a commitment to selfless deals, her organ donation plans peaked with transforming a stranger’s life, conducted through the National Kidney Registry campaign. 

Despite not being a match for her cousin’s husband, Saotome’s willingness to lend support beyond her climbing conquests was truly inspirational. Besides an array of philanthropic endeavors, she emphasized cherishing her family, juggling a full-time job, and motherhood responsibilities for her three kids. 

With aspirations to tackle future climbing escapades, Erin Saotome’s participation in triathlons and her Mount Kilimanjaro ascent became other significant triumphs. Epitomizing the power of perseverance, her mountaineering excursions inspired countless enthusiasts, proving how post-donation periods can still be purposeful.

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