Brian Martindale

Executive Director

Executive Director Brian Martindale hails from Bay City, Michigan. Brian attended Great Lakes Junior College, and is an active union member having served for many years as a journeyman painter, foreman, and project manager. He is also the founder and creator of the clothing brand Karma Inc Apparel- http://karmaincapparel.org He is married to his wonderful wife Wendi, and loves spending time with his two grandchildren Maxson and Maise. He credits his gratefulness for their health, along with seeing through Jessica how living kidney donation changes and saves lives; in the founding of Kidneys fir Kids in 2022. He became a living kidney donor to a 10-year-old girl in 2013, who he did not know at the time. Brian had read her story in their local newspaper-and was moved to respond. After testing at the University of Michigan Transplant Center, Brian was declared to be a perfect match to Jessica Schwerin. On January 11, 2013; Brian donated the gift of life. Both he and Jessica recovered quickly, and over the following years became as close as family. Today, Jessica is 20 years old, attending Eastern Michigan University, and serving on the Board of Directors for Kidneys for Kids! Brian also serves as a Peer mentor to Kidney Donors at The University of Michigan Transplant Center. https://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/2013/01/10_year-old_jessica_schwerin_a.html

Sarah Jane Meyer

Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant Sarah Jane Meyer from Bay City, Michigan has twelve years of experience working in the human services field in an administrative role. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals by educating and advocating. Sarah Jane grew up watching family members with Autosomal Dominate Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) navigate through hardships. At the age of thirteen Sarah Jane underwent testing and was formally diagnosed with Autosomal Dominate Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). In 2023, she was diagnosed with end stage renal disease at the age of thirty-six years old and began dialysis treatments. This changed her way of life dramatically. She has overcome many challenges since her end stage renal disease diagnosis and is still awaiting her own kidney transplant. Sarah Jane was approached by Kidneys for Kids to be one of the first adults they assisted in Michigan to find a living donor. Kidneys for Kids has helped her gain exposure to a larger audience in hopes of finding a living donor. This is personal to Sarah Jane. She is determined to assist adults in Michigan and children across the nation to find a living kidney donor, advocate for them, and educate the community about kidney health. Please welcome Sarah Jane Meyer to our team!