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Ascending America
What If Saving a Life Didn’t Limit You, but Propelled You to New Heights?
When retired emergency physician and kidney donor Matt Harmody joined a team of four other donors to climb the highest peak in every U.S. state, they weren’t just chasing a Guinness world record. They were out to prove a radical truth: Life after kidney donation has no limits.
Ascending America takes you on an edge-of-your-seat journey through brutal weather, bone-deep exhaustion, and breathtaking landscapes. Alongside the adventure, Harmody dispels common myths about donation, explains dialysis and recovery in clear, human terms, and reveals breakthroughs shaping the future of transplantation.
“An extraordinary and deftly blended combination of action/adventure and medical instruction… especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Health/Medicine collections.”
— Midwest Book Review
A compelling blend of endurance, risk, and purpose, Ascending America combines a gripping expedition narrative with meaningful insight into kidney donation. Matt Harmody’s immersive first-person style brings authenticity to both the physical challenges and the deeper human mission behind the journey. The result is an engaging story that balances high-stakes adventure with a powerful message about resilience, generosity, and what it means to live fully after donation.”
— Carol Thompson, Readers’ Favorite
Meet The Author
Dr. Matt Harmody
Matt Harmody, MD, is a retired emergency physician, kidney donor, and endurance athlete. As board chair of the National Kidney Donation Organization and principal in a nonprofit organization working to reform federal legislation, he advocates for living donation nationwide. He lives in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with his wife, Susan.
One Kidney. Fifty Summits. Countless Lives Changed.
You don’t need to climb mountains to make an impact—but my team of living kidney donors did.
In 2023, I joined a group of fellow donors to summit the highest peak in all 50 U.S. states—in just 41 days. Our mission wasn’t just to set a record. We wanted to shatter the myth that life after kidney donation is limited.
Now, I’m sharing that story—and the truth about what’s really possible.
With Ascending America, you’ll discover:
A Story of Grit and Giving
Follow a gripping 41-day expedition to all 50 U.S. highpoints—and meet the remarkable people who gave a kidney and kept climbing.
Truth Over Myths
Learn what most people misunderstand about living kidney donation—and why healthy, active people are the best candidates to donate.
Real Life Impact
From surgeries to legislation, see how one donor’s journey is helping reshape the transplant system and give hope to thousands still waiting.
Inspire. Educate. Activate.
I speak to healthcare professionals, transplant communities, nonprofits, and outdoor audiences about the power and potential of living kidney donation. Whether I’m giving a keynote or leading an interactive workshop, I share real-life stories and actionable insights designed to spark connection, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.
Breaking Down Medical Myths with Story and Science
With the heart of a storyteller and the mind of a physician, I make complex transplant facts easy to understand—and impossible to ignore.
Moving People from Awareness to Action
I give everyday people the tools and confidence to speak up, take action, and help others say yes to saving a life.
Changing the Narrative Around Living Donation
I reframe kidney donation as a powerful, life-affirming choice—and show that advocacy can start with a single step.
Turning Donors into Everyday Advocates
I inspire people to reimagine what life after donation can look like—and I empower them to share that message with others.
You don’t have to summit a mountain to help save a life.
This simple, 4-step action plan is designed for everyday people who want to make a difference—but aren’t sure where to start.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Easy-to-follow weekly steps that educate and inspire
- Real donor stories and advocacy tools
- Simple ways to get involved—no experience or medical background needed
Download the guide and start making a difference today.
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