Firefighter Maggie Atkins of NH Looking for a Kidney Transplant

At 37, life looks a lot different than I once imagined, and in the best way, it revolves around one very important person: my child.

Everything I do, every decision I make, comes back to her.

That’s why stories like Maggie Atkins of New Hampshire hit me in a place that’s hard to put into words because, at the core of it, this is about a woman fighting to keep living her life.

About a year ago, the Washington, New Hampshire, Fire Department made a deeply personal and urgent plea, asking the community to step in and help save one of their own, a dedicated firefighter and EMT, Maggie Atkins.

This wasn’t about fundraising or supplies. This was about saving a life.

Maggie needs a kidney donor.

And when that call went out, people responded in a powerful way. It was a reminder of just how strong a community can be when one of its own is in need.

But now, that urgency remains, and Maggie still needs that lifesaving match.

And here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: you don’t have to be the same blood type to help save Maggie. Through a paired donation program, your decision to step forward could not only give Maggie the kidney she needs but also help another patient in the process.

One “yes” could change and even save two lives!

As for Maggie, the past year hasn’t been easy. She’s faced serious complications and is currently undergoing daily dialysis. It helps, but it’s not a long-term solution. What she truly needs is a kidney.

And even though Maggie has faced this enormous challenge, she is still deeply involved behind the scenes, continuing to give back to the very community she’s now leaning on. That kind of strength? It’s something I think a lot of us, especially as parents, can understand. When people depend on you, you fight differently.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a donor, or even if this is the first time it’s crossed your mind, now is the time to learn more. Share the information. Start the conversation. Take that step!

Maggie has dedicated her life to protecting this community, showing up in moments most of us hope we never face. Now, she’s the one in need. And maybe this is our moment to show her that the same community she’s fought for is ready to fight for her.

Let’s help Maggie!