A Lifelong Advocate Becomes the Patient: Lauren Shields’ Journey with Organ Donation
Lauren Shields has spent most of her 25 years advocating for organ donation, never expecting to become a three-time recipient herself. The Rockland County, New York native, who has a state law named in her honor, now finds herself in the vulnerable position of waiting for a kidney donor while maintaining the positive attitude that has carried her through previous health challenges. “I take pride in being such a good patient,” Shields told The Post. “I take my medication every day, I never miss a dose. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I do all the right things.” Despite her exemplary self-care, she faces another life-threatening situation that requires someone else’s generosity to survive.
Lauren’s medical journey began dramatically in 2009 when, at just eight years old, she contracted an infection that attacked her heart. Her condition deteriorated so rapidly that doctors placed her in a medically induced coma for 15 days while desperately searching for a donor heart. After receiving this lifesaving transplant, young Lauren felt compelled to give back, traveling throughout the Lower Hudson Valley to promote organ donation awareness. Even as a child, she recognized the profound gift she had received and wanted others to have the same chance at life. She became a regular speaker at naturalization ceremonies, encouraging new citizens to register as organ donors—a practice she continues today.
What truly distinguishes Lauren’s advocacy is “Lauren’s Law,” legislation she helped create after a chance encounter with then-state Senator David Carlucci when she was just 12 years old. Initially doubting her impact—”He’s never gonna call me, I’m just a kid”—Lauren was surprised when the senator followed through. She successfully lobbied New York lawmakers to pass a bill requiring residents to actively respond to the organ donor question when getting or renewing their driver’s licenses. The law, signed by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo in October 2012, doesn’t force people to become donors but ensures they consciously consider the option. “That was such a highlight of my life to be involved in that process,” said Shields, who now works at LiveOnNY, an organization promoting organ donation awareness.
Despite celebrating milestones like high school and college graduations and participating in her brother’s wedding as a bridesmaid, Lauren’s journey has been punctuated by serious health setbacks. In 2020, she needed a kidney transplant—a common secondary complication for heart transplant recipients. Before her mother was cleared to donate a kidney, Lauren endured dialysis, which she describes as “emotionally and physically” draining and “no way to live a life.” The successful transplant of her mother’s kidney offered renewed hope and energy, making the recent news of kidney failure all the more devastating.
In February 2023, doctors discovered that Lauren’s transplanted kidney was failing, functioning at only about 14%. “I was completely heartbroken, it was probably the worst news I ever got because I just felt so devastated that I didn’t get more time with my mom’s kidney,” she explained. The deterioration has already affected her daily life, leaving her with minimal energy and shortness of breath after minimal exertion. Now facing the prospect of returning to dialysis, Lauren is desperately hoping for a living donor while also joining the organ waitlist—a process that could take three to five years without a directed donation.
For someone who has dedicated her life to helping others receive organ donations, being on the receiving end again presents emotional challenges beyond the physical ones. “I really like to be very independent and this was such a vulnerable position to really ask for someone to do this,” Lauren admits. “To help someone else, to possibly help a stranger. I know it’s not a small ask. Gosh, it is really hard for me to put this in other people’s hands and hope that someone will step up.” Despite these difficulties, Lauren continues her advocacy work while awaiting her third transplant, embodying the resilience and hope she has inspired in countless others through her story and her law. Those interested in learning more about becoming a donor can visit her National Kidney Registry page, potentially offering this lifelong advocate another chance to continue her important work.
