Help Kylie get back to a full life of education, athletics, and inspiring the kids in her classroom.

Meet Kylie

Kylie Boardman is a 20‑year‑old student at Central Maine Community College and a member of the Women’s Ice Hockey team. She was also a three‑sport athlete at Gardiner Area High School. She has her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, is working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and currently works as a preschool classroom teacher.

Kylie’s kidney journey began prenatally with a diagnosis of no kidney development and no chance of survival outside of the womb. Subsequent testing revealed some development, but she was given less than a 1% chance of survival at birth.

At birth, with a team of a dozen specialized doctors and nurses, Kylie appeared to be a normal, healthy little girl. After testing and imaging, it was discovered Kylie had Solitary Dysplastic Kidney disease — meaning she had only one kidney that would never function to full capacity.

With expert care from the Maine Medical Center nephrology team, and her fighting spirit, Kylie grew up as a normal kid and three‑sport athlete — all while knowing one day her life would change as her kidney function would decrease and a transplant would be needed to live a full life.

Right now, Kylie is facing kidney failure and working toward a transplant so she can keep building her future — in the classroom, with her teammates, and in the community that has always had her back.

If you’re reading this, thank you. Even simply sharing this page helps Kylie’s story reach someone who might be able to take the next step.

Why a living donor matters

A living donor kidney can offer the best chance for a healthy, active future — and it may happen sooner than waiting for a deceased donor kidney. Donation is always confidential and voluntary, and the donor team’s priority is the donor’s safety.

• Better timing: A living donor transplant can often be scheduled sooner.
• Strong outcomes: Living donor kidneys often function very well for many years.
• Paired exchange: If you’re not a match, you may still be able to help through a swap program.

The basics

A healthy person can live a full life with one kidney. Living donation involves a thorough medical evaluation to protect the donor’s safety. The transplant center’s donor advocates and clinicians ensure donors are informed, supported, and never pressured.

Donation can be direct (to Kylie) or through a paired exchange chain.

Could I be eligible?

Eligibility varies by center. The screening process is the best way to find out. In general, donor teams look at overall health, kidney function, and safety.

• Adults in good general health
• Non-smokers or willing to stop (center-dependent)
• No uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or serious kidney disease
• Healthy body weight range (varies by program)

This list is general info — the donor team will provide the official criteria.

Paired exchange (still help even if you don’t match)

If you want to donate but aren’t compatible with Kylie, the transplant center may offer paired exchange. Your donation can help someone else, and their donor can help Kylie.

Other meaningful ways to help

• Share this page with friends, teammates, alumni groups, and community organizations
• Host a low-pressure info night with a transplant educator or living donor speaker
• Offer rides, meals, or support during appointments and recovery

Why fundraising matters

Transplant is life‑saving — but it can also bring significant out‑of‑pocket costs for families, even with insurance. Fundraising can help cover gaps such as travel, lodging, time away from work, medication co‑pays, follow‑up appointments, and other practical needs before and after surgery.

Estimated cost overview

Costs vary widely by patient, hospital, insurance coverage, and complications. The numbers below are general estimates provided for context.

• Total billed charges (2025 estimate): roughly $446,800+, including pre‑transplant screening, the procedure, and post‑operative care.
• Initial hospitalization: the surgery and hospital stay are usually the largest expense.
• Immuno‑suppressants: post‑transplant medication can range from $25,000–$30,000 per year.
• Pre‑transplant services: approximately $30,000–$35,000 for evaluations.

Even though the initial surgery is high‑cost, transplant is often more cost‑effective than long‑term dialysis. Please contact the transplant center for the most accurate information for your situation.