SM: Do you have an ultimate goal in educating others about the cause?
Deana Carter: Yes—that every single person on the planet would become an organ donor.

SM: How can others help fight kidney disease?
Deana Carter: People should consider that one of us, personally, might be on the receiving end of it. That’s the first step of awareness as a culture. Go to the website, www.kidney.org. Learn about organ donor programs. Don’t fall for misconceptions. And TALK about it. That’s one of the most important things anyone can do. If your family doesn’t know your wishes, then they can’t honor them. One conversation could save a life.

More than 60,000 Americans are currently awaiting life-saving organ transplants. Ten to eleven die each day while waiting. The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to increasing availability of all organs for transplantation. For even more information or a free donor card, call the foundation at (800) 622-9010.