Woman Donates Kidney to Mom, Then Trains for Boston Marathon

Jen Brady, a Penn Medicine employee, underwent kidney donation surgery and then registered for the Boston Marathon just six months later.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:00am

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Jen Brady, the director of benefits and well-being at Penn Medicine, donated one of her kidneys to her mother in September. Just six months later, she registered to run the 2026 Boston Marathon, a quiet declaration that she could make a life-changing gift while holding onto one of the parts of herself that mattered most - running.

Why it matters

Brady's story exemplifies the importance of workplace benefits and support for employees who are also caregivers. Her ability to donate an organ and then train for a major marathon shortly after highlights how employers can empower their workers to balance personal responsibilities with professional goals.

The details

After scheduling her kidney donation surgery, Brady registered for the 2026 Boston Marathon, determined to maintain her passion for running even after the life-changing medical procedure. Brady's care team at Penn Medicine's Center for Living Donation assured her that she could return to her pre-surgery fitness levels after a short recovery period. Nephrologist Amanda Leonberg-Yoo, MD, the medical director of Penn Medicine's living kidney donor program, even offered to be a training buddy for Brady.

  • In September, Jen Brady scheduled her kidney donation surgery.
  • Just six months later, in April 2026, Brady plans to run the Boston Marathon.

The players

Jen Brady

The director of benefits and well-being at Penn Medicine who donated a kidney to her mother and then registered for the Boston Marathon.

Amanda Leonberg-Yoo, MD

The nephrologist and medical director of Penn Medicine's living kidney donor program who offered to be a training buddy for Jen Brady.

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What they’re saying

“Running is my way of keeping control of my thoughts, and giving myself something to work for, and reaching my goals, and doing hard things. That's something that I never want to not have.”

— Jen Brady

What’s next

Jen Brady's care team at Penn Medicine has assured her that she can return to her pre-surgery fitness levels after a short recovery period, allowing her to train for the 2026 Boston Marathon.

The takeaway

Jen Brady's story demonstrates how employers can support their workers who are also caregivers, empowering them to make life-changing decisions while still pursuing their personal passions and professional goals.