1K12M One Kidney, 12 Marathons
In 2023, NKR-sponsored kidney donor athletes Matt Cavanaugh and Hilary Baude took on the 1K12M (One Kidney, 12 Marathons) challenge, completing 12 marathons within one year—shattering the misperception that kidney donation imposes physical limits on donors.
Along the way, they raised awareness for the need for living kidney donors like themselves, hoping to motivate individuals to consider donation.
The Marathons
| Marathon | Date | Supporting Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Publix Atlanta Marathon | February 26 | Piedmont Hospital |
| Los Angeles Marathon | March 19 | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center, USC |
| Salt Lake City Marathon | April 22 | Intermountain Medical Center, University of Utah |
| Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon | May 7 | Christ Hospital, University of Cincinnati |
| Denver Colfax Marathon | May 21 | Centura Porter Adventist Hospital |
| Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon | June 4 | University of California San Diego Medical Center |
| San Francisco Marathon (Hilary only) | July 23 | UCSF Medical Center |
| Ironman Mont Tremblant (Hilary only) | August 20 | |
| Hartford Marathon (Matt only) | October 14 | |
| Ironman World Championship, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Hilary only) | October 14 | |
| Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington, VA/Washington, DC) | October 29 | MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center |
| New York City Marathon | November 5 | |
| Philadelphia Marathon | November 19 | University of Pennsylvania |
| Honolulu Marathon | December 10 |
The Team
Matt Cavanaugh
Matt Cavanaugh, PhD, is a retiring US military officer who serves as the President of the National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO). He is also a Professor of Practice with Arizona State University, a co-founder of and senior fellow with the Modern War Institute at West Point, and has twice earned the Bronze Star Medal, as well as the Combat Action Badge, for his service in Iraq.
Matt has been active in fitness and athletics his entire life, having been named the US Army Athlete of the Year in 2009. He previously completed the 1K4D challenge. He lives in Park City, Utah, with his wife Rachel, and their young daughters, Gracie and Georgie.
Hilary Baude
Hilary Baude is a kindergarten teacher and living kidney donor. She donated her kidney to a stranger in May of 2021 and is now an active member of the National Kidney Donation Organization. Hilary is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership, social, emotional, and academic learning, and social justice. She was named Teacher of the Year for Groton Public Schools and was a semi-finalist for the 2022-2023 state of Connecticut Teacher of the Year.
Hilary was an NCAA Division 1 swimmer and started running marathons in 2014, completing 13 to date. She recently competed in her first IronMan in 2022, placing third in her age group. Through her participation in 1K12M, she hopes to normalize kidney donation, demonstrate that donation is not debilitating, and advocate for equity in transplantation. Hilary resides in Waterford, CT, with her husband, Jim, and her two daughters, Ellie (9) and Josie (3).
Thank you to all the transplant centers and other organizations helping with 1K12M events, including the National Kidney Donation Organization and Kidney Don
Financial Contributions
If you would like to support 1K12M in its efforts to raise awareness for living kidney donation, please consider making a financial donation to the National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO).
