Kaci Alvarado
Kaci Alvarado / KDA Rim to River to Rim Challenge
About this Cause...
Kidney Donor Athletes (KDA) is launching a first-of-its-kind domestic advocacy adventure: the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Challenge. This challenge will bring together a team of 15 living kidney donors to complete a one-day, 20+ mile trek across the Grand Canyon, with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain. The mission is bold and clear—to prove that living kidney donors are not limited by their donation and to raise powerful awareness for living donation as a life-saving option.
About My Why...
In 2013, I donated my kidney—and it changed more than one life...
Now, in October 2025, I’ll join 14 other AMAZING living donors to cross the Grand Canyon in a single day as part of the Rim-to-Rim Challenge.
We’re hiking rim-to-rim—over 20 miles and thousands of feet of elevation—not just for the physical test, but to show the world what’s possible with one kidney and a whole lot of heart.
This climb is my way of honoring the incredible gift of life that living donors give. It’s about celebrating our strength, rewriting the narrative around donation, and inspiring others to say yes to saving a life.
I’m raising $3,100 to make this mission possible—and I’d be honored to have your support as part of the journey.
🎥 Want to see what this journey means to me?
Watch my video here: https://youtu.be/DQO8P9BY8f0
It's a quick glimpse into why I climb, how far I’ve come, and the impact we can make together. 💚
'Every Mile is Magic' is my mantra as I train and prepare to take on the canyon!
About the Fires...
Rim-to-Rim Update: The Mission Continues—With a New Path Forward!
The wildfires may have closed the North Rim, but our journey is far from over.
Our Kidney Donor Athletes Rim-to-Rim Challenge is still on for October 2025!!!
NEW ROUTE: We’ll descend the South Kaibab Trail, stop to refuel at Phantom Ranch, then continue to the overlook and beyond before ascending back up the Bright Angel Trail.
This updated route matches the same 21 miles and 6,400 ft elevation gain of our original challenge.
One kidney. One canyon. One mission: to prove what’s possible.
The Grand Canyon will need help rebuilding for years—and this hike is a chance to support it now. We’re exploring volunteer opportunities on-site and raising funds that fuel both awareness for living donation and support for the park we love so deeply.
Want to help? This is your moment.
Donate. Share. Speak up. Walk beside me.
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$2,764
Raised
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$3,100
Goal
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30
Supporters
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56
Days Remaining
Recent Transactions
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Sandi Taylor
$103.30 / 91 days ago
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Kimberly May
$51.65 / 93 days ago
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Maria De Borba-Silva
$12.40 / 130 days ago
Have a fantastic time! Thank you for what you are doing!!
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Cathy Buchmiller
$154.95 / 139 days ago
You dont know me, but my best friend from college was a kidney recipient. My life would have been very different if i had not met her. I believe in organ donation to save lives.
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Linda Waide
$103.30 / 139 days ago
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Brittany Cunningham
$51.65 / 139 days ago
You got this! Don't ever let anything stop you from your dreams.
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Margaret Parks
$103.30 / 140 days ago
Kaci, I’m so happy to have been able to watch you with this incredible journey and your transformation . Keep up the great work!!
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Corey Waide
$51.65 / 140 days ago
Your hard work in training and your love for transplant will guide you in your journey. I believe in you!
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Christina Coghill
$40.00 / 140 days ago
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Lori Ulm
$15.50 / 142 days ago
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Mel Hartman
$51.65 / 145 days ago
I’m so excited to watch you train and complete the Rim to Rim adventure!!!
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Christina Coghill
$41.32 / 176 days ago
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Anonymous
$103.30 / 194 days ago
A relative of mine is waiting for a kidney. Thank you for your efforts in bringing awareness and raising funds. And thank you for your living donation!
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Rebecca Hobbs
$51.65 / 195 days ago
Kaci & Team, Thank each and every one of you for your selfless gift of donating one of your kidneys, so that someone else can live! You are more than generous and set an amazing example for the rest of us. I know your journey across the Grand Canyon will be very spiritual and uplifting, and you will inspire others to give of themselves, as well! As we say in Cherokee, "Wado" ᏩᏙ (thank you)!
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Julie Utt
$25.83 / 202 days ago
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Anonymous
$20.00 / 204 days ago
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Melanie Hartman
$41.32 / 210 days ago
About Kaci Alvarado
Hi, I’m Kaci—living kidney donor, lifelong advocate, and big believer in bold adventures with purpose. It’s been 12 years since I donated my kidney, and I’ve spent every one of them proving that life doesn’t slow down after donation—it expands.
From roller skating and cycling to weightlifting and hiking, I use movement as a platform to raise awareness and celebrate what our bodies can do—even with just one kidney. Now, I’m taking that message to the Grand Canyon as part of the Rim-to-Rim Challenge, joining fellow donors to take on this epic, bucket list challenge.
I’m deeply honored to be part of this journey, and I’m so grateful for your support.
