Patient Advocate, Educator & Consultant

At 40 years old, Valen has spent half of her life as a transplant recipient. Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at the age of 10, Valen needed a kidney transplant at 19 and a new liver at 35. Her experience navigating her health challenges with limited support and resources led her to become a passionate patient advocate for the past 20 years. Valen is a respected voice in the PKD, organ donation community, and beyond.

Valen strives to educate industry and clinicians on the post-transplant needs of recipients, raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, elevate kidney health, and offer hope to chronically ill patients. By sharing her firsthand experiences and creating the resources she wishes she had, Valen has educated millions, helped exemplify the transformative impact of transplantation, and inspires many past her own communities and causes. Her commitment to making the voice of the kidney and transplant community heard has become a beacon of hope for countless people and empowers many to be their own best advocates – taking better charge of their health while pursuing meaningful, purpose-driven lives.