CRAWFORD COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—March marks National Kidney Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about kidney disease, which affects more than 37 million adults across the United States.

Kidneys play a critical role in maintaining overall health. These bean-shaped organs filter waste and excess fluid from the blood to produce urine, while also helping regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production, and maintain bone health through vitamin D management. Each kidney contains approximately one million tiny filters called nephrons, processing nearly 200 quarts of blood daily, with most fluid reabsorbed back into the body.

While it is possible to live a healthy life with only one kidney, many individuals facing kidney disease rely on transplants to improve or save their lives.

One such individual is Mary Kay Hagerty of Pennsylvania, who is now seeking the public’s help in finding a living kidney donor. Hagerty has longstanding ties to Bucyrus, having traveled here for years with her father, a lumber salesman who visited local businesses including Kime Lumber.

A lifelong educator, Hagerty recently was accepted into the living donor program at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. She is also pursuing registration with transplant programs at The University of Toledo Medical Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Cleveland Clinic in an effort to increase her chances of finding a match.

Currently in stage four kidney disease, Hagerty says her best chance for a successful transplant is through a living donor. To help spread the word, she has turned to social media in hopes of reaching potential donors.

Hagerty is married to her high school sweetheart, John Hagerty. Together, they have three children and six grandchildren. She describes herself as grateful for a 30-year career in education, where she taught preschool and kindergarten students to read and later served as the director of a Catholic preschool before retiring.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a living kidney donor for Hagerty can visit the Indiana University Health website and navigate to its living kidney donation services page, or call 1-800-382-4602 for additional information.

Crawford County Now will continue to follow Hagerty’s journey and provide updates as they become available.