Jessica Hodder

My Red Socks Challenge for Kidney Health

For our family, kidney disease isn’t just something we know about, it’s part of our story.

We’ve lost my father-in-law, Leo, to kidney disease. I watched my husband, Mark, go through dialysis in 2024 before receiving the incredible gift of a kidney transplant. And now our children, Sonny and Coco, are both living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and the challenges that come with it.

As their mum, that’s the part that hits the hardest. I can’t know exactly what their future with kidney disease will look like, but I do know I want that future to include better treatments, better care and more hope.

That’s why this October I’m taking on 60km for the Red Socks Challenge, representing the 60 hours people on dialysis can spend connected to a machine every month.

Mark’s transplant was made possible through the Kidney Exchange Program and the incredible generosity of his sister, Mel. She donated a kidney to a stranger so that Mark could receive a well-matched kidney in return, a gift that changed all of our lives.

So these 60km are deeply personal. I’m moving in memory of Leo, in gratitude for Mark and Mel, and most of all, for Sonny and Coco and the future I hope they have ahead of them.

Every kilometre is for them. ❤️

If you can, please donate to help fund better care, research and a brighter future for people and families living with kidney disease.