NW Kidney Kids

🌟 Meet Our Board Secretary, David Crandall! 🌟

We are excited to introduce David Crandall as our Board Secretary and HR support for NW Kidney Kids!

David is a proud kidney parent whose eldest son was born with chronic kidney disease. Through this journey, his family found connection, strength, and support within the NW Kidney Kids community—an organization that has become an invaluable part of their lives.

David joined the NWKK Board of Directors in 2024, bringing with him a strong background in Human Resources. Based in the Portland area, he works in HR for a major corporation, where he focuses on people management and organizational development.

Outside of work and board service, David enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, along with their two dogs. He also enjoys woodworking, fishing, and cooking meals to share with family and friends.

We are so grateful for David’s experience, leadership, and dedication to our community. Please join us in welcoming him as our Board Secretary! 💙

🌟 Meet Our New Board Treasurer, Dornald Myles! 🌟

We are proud to introduce Dornald Myles, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, as the new Board Treasurer of NW Kidney Kids!

Dornald brings a deeply personal connection to the kidney community as a double kidney transplant recipient, having received his first transplant in 1999 and his second in 2015. These life-changing experiences have shaped his passion for supporting others on their own kidney journeys.

With an impressive 34-year career at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Dornald worked as a histotechnologist in Anatomical Pathology and Immunohistochemistry, collaborating closely with pediatric nephrologists and contributing to renal biopsy work for young patients—including some of our very own Kidney Kids.

Through both his professional expertise and lived experience, Dornald is passionate about empowering families, children, and youth impacted by kidney disease.

Outside of work and service, you might find him enjoying a good book, baking, playing piano, re-learning conversational French, or spending time in his garden.

We are so grateful for Dornald’s knowledge, perspective, and heart. Please join us in welcoming him as our Board Treasurer! 💙

🌟 Meet Our New Vice President, Alex! 🌟

We are excited to welcome Alex Baker, DNP, FNP-C as the new Vice President of NW Kidney Kids!

Alex joined the kidney community at age 14 after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Though she didn’t attend kidney camp as a teen, she later experienced its powerful impact firsthand as a camp counselor and assistant camp director—an experience that deepened her connection to NWKK’s mission.

Inspired by her own journey, Alex went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of Portland School of Nursing in 2017 and has since built an impressive career in acute care, trauma surgery, and critical care. She completed her nurse practitioner training in 2022 and continues to serve patients with compassion and expertise.

Alex now lives in Walla Walla, Washington with her husband, young daughter, and their border collie mix. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and spending time with her family.

We are so grateful for Alex’s experience, heart, and dedication to the kidney community. Please join us in congratulating her on her new role as Vice President! 💙

Volunteers Needed for Strut Your Kidney 2026!

It takes an incredible community to make Strut Your Kidney possible, and we would love to have YOU join us!

From race-day setup and cheering on participants to helping guide runners along the course, our volunteers play a huge role in creating a fun, safe, and inspiring event for children living with chronic kidney disease and their families.

📍 Sellwood Riverfront Park – Portland, OR
📅 Sunday, September 20, 2026

Volunteer opportunities include:
✨ Race Day Set-Up Crew
✨ Course Marshals
✨ Tear Down Crew
…and more!

Whether you can help for a few hours or the whole morning, your time makes a meaningful difference for NW Kidney Kids families. 💚

Sign up to volunteer here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/OR/Portland/StrutYourKidney

Please share with friends, family, coworkers, and anyone looking to give back to the community!

Looking for a way to make a real impact and have fun doing it?

Join the Strut Your Kidney Committee and help bring this inspiring community event to life! This is your chance to get involved behind the scenes, share your ideas, and help shape everything from event energy to participant experience.

Whether you’re passionate about community, event planning, or simply want to support Northwest Kidney Kids in a meaningful way, there’s a place for you on the team. Together, we’ll create a powerful day full of connection, awareness, and celebration—one step at a time.

Ready to jump in?
Email Maggie at [email protected] to get more information and join the committee!

🌟 Meet Our New Camp Director, Finn! 🌟

We are thrilled to officially introduce Finn as the new Camp Director for NW Kidney Kids Camps!

Finn originally hails from Santa Cruz, California, and now calls Portland, Oregon home. They graduated from Washington State University in 2023 (Go Cougs! 🐾) with a major in Human Development, a minor in At-Risk Youth, and a certificate in Child and Youth Development. Finn is currently continuing their education by working toward a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation at SUNY Cortland.

With over nine years of experience working with children, Finn brings a deep passion for youth development and inclusion. Their background spans a wide range of settings—from summer camps to outdoor schools in California and Minnesota—giving them a strong foundation in creating meaningful, supportive, and fun experiences for kids of all ages.

We are so excited for the energy, care, and leadership Finn brings to our camp community and can’t wait for you all to meet them this summer! 💙

Please join us in giving Finn a warm welcome!