My mom has been my biggest supporter and fan for as long as I can remember.
She’s given me everything—her time, her energy, her love—and never asked for anything in return.
Her sacrifices built the foundation of who I am.
My gratitude can’t be put into words.
But when I found out I was a match to donate my kidney after one of hers started to fail, I felt like my actions could express how much she means to me.
For once, it felt like I had the chance to give something back to her in the biggest way possible.
A Pause Before the Gift
Initially, we planned to have the procedure last summer.
But I had one year of eligibility left in wrestling—and a chance to finish what I started.
We sat down as a family and talked everything through with my mom and her doctors.
Everyone agreed: the transplant could wait a few more months.
So, I decided to compete in one final season, pursue my master’s degree, and then turn my full attention to my mom.
That’s how I ended up at Oklahoma.
After transferring from Oregon State, I wasn’t quite sure where I’d land—but when Oklahoma reached out, it felt right.
The moment they showed interest, I knew it was where I wanted to finish my career.
My mom was all in.
I was all in.
And I set out to make the most of this last ride.
The season didn’t end exactly how I hoped, but I walked away with no regrets.
I’m incredibly grateful for my time at OU and proud to graduate with my master’s.
And now, most importantly, I’m ready to help my mom get back to the life she deserves.
Finding a Match
My mom’s health issues began a couple of years ago while I was away at college.
She started feeling unwell, and after seeing a doctor, we learned one of her kidneys was failing.
She had to start dialysis to help flush toxins from her body—a tough, exhausting process that quickly became a heavy burden on her daily life.
The hardest part was the uncertainty.
We didn’t know how long she’d be on dialysis—or when, if ever, a donor kidney would come.
Thankfully, her doctors decided to test family members first.
They started with her kids.
I was the first to undergo the process—sending in lab work, undergoing blood tests, and nervously waiting for results.
Then we got the call: I was a match.
Same blood type.
Compatible in all the right ways.
We couldn’t believe it.
The odds were slim, but it was real—I could give my mom one of my kidneys.
We were overjoyed.
It felt like divine timing.
A blessing.
Giving Back, Heart First
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous when I found out I was a match.
It’s a major surgery, and there are risks.
But more than anything, I felt honored.
I finally had the chance to give something back to the woman who had given me everything.
And this wasn’t just about a kidney.
It was about freedom—for her.
Freedom from machines.
Freedom from strict diets.
Freedom to live fully again.
That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.
When we got the news, emotions came pouring out—tears, hugs, gratitude.
It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to be able to do something tangible for someone you love so deeply.
It brought us even closer, and it reminded me just how precious life—and family—really is.
It’s also made me more intentional about staying connected to the people I love.
About checking in.
And about saying thank you more often.
Through it all, I’ve had incredible support from my coaches, teammates, and everyone at Oklahoma.
Their encouragement has meant the world to me.
I’m proud to be part of this community.
A School That Changed Everything
Now, as I wrap up my final semester to earn my Master’s in Human Relations, I’m shifting my focus entirely to my mom’s transplant.
The sooner we can make it happen, the better.
After that, I’ll be turning the page to the next chapter of my life—joining a police agency and pursuing a career in criminal justice.
It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a kid, and I’m excited to take the discipline, grit, and drive I’ve learned through wrestling and use it to make a difference in the world.
But before I go, I just want to say thank you.
To OU fans.
To my coaches.
To my teammates.
To every person who made this last, but meaningful, season so special.
You welcomed me with open arms, and I’ll never forget that.
I’ll carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.
The Power of Showing Up
I hope my story inspires someone to show up for the people they love.
To give generously, act boldly, and say yes when the chance to make a difference comes along.
Because at the end of the day, life is about love—and the moments we choose to step up.
This is my moment to give back.
To step up.
And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
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