Meet Kirson Barnes

We recently connected with Kirson Barnes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirson, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

I think my generosity comes from the life I’ve lived. After going through two kidney transplants, five years on dialysis, and facing the challenges that come with both health and everyday life, I’ve learned to find the light in even the darkest situations. I’ve realized that no matter what I’ve gone through, there’s always someone else facing something harder. That perspective has taught me to live with empathy—not just feeling sorry for others, but truly trying to understand and be there for them. I give because I know what it feels like to need support, and because kindness can make all the difference.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m deeply passionate about supporting children and families who are navigating the transplant journey—something that hits close to home for me, having gone through two kidney transplants myself. I work with Transplants for Children, a nonprofit dedicated to helping pediatric transplant recipients and their families thrive before and beyond surgery. Through advocacy, support programs, events, and community outreach, we aim to make sure no family feels alone during one of the most difficult seasons of their life.

What excites me most is the chance to turn my lived experience into something positive for others. I know firsthand what it’s like to feel scared, uncertain, and overwhelmed—and I also know how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and empowered. That’s the energy I try to bring into everything we do.

We’ve got some exciting things on the horizon, including our 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament fundraiser on August 31st and our 40th Anniversary in 2026 — creating space for joy, connection, and community healing. I hope that through these initiatives, we not only raise awareness and funds but also build a strong circle of support that reminds families they’re never alone.

At the heart of it all is the belief that lived experience can lead to lasting impact, and I’m honored to turn my journey into a source of hope for others.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey have been resilience, empathy, and adaptability.

Resilience was built out of necessity—going through dialysis, transplants, and the rollercoaster of health challenges taught me how to keep going, even when things felt impossible. I learned that setbacks don’t define your future, and that strength doesn’t always look loud—it often shows up in quiet persistence.

Empathy has shaped the way I connect with people. Because I’ve lived through so many challenges myself, I’ve developed a deep understanding of what others might be going through. That empathy allows me to lead and serve in a way that’s genuine, compassionate, and human-centered.

Adaptability has helped me thrive in both life and work. Health struggles, shifting priorities, and nonprofit challenges all require quick thinking and flexibility. Being able to pivot while staying focused on my purpose has been key to continuing to grow and serve.

My advice to anyone early in their journey is this:
– Don’t rush your growth. Resilience is built over time, through showing up for yourself day by day.
– Practice listening—really listening—to people and their stories. That’s how empathy grows.
– Stay open to change. Your path may not look like what you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it’s the wrong one. Let your passion guide your flexibility, not your fear.

Most of all, remember that your journey—no matter how messy—is valuable. Your lived experiences can one day be someone else’s roadmap

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Without a doubt, my mom has been the most helpful and influential person in my journey. She’s been my rock through every challenge—whether it was sitting by my side during dialysis treatments, advocating for me through my transplants, or encouraging me to keep going when I felt like giving up. Her strength, love, and unwavering belief in me have shaped who I am today.

She taught me how to be resilient without becoming hardened, how to show up for others with empathy, and how to adapt with grace. Watching her navigate life’s hardships with faith and determination gave me a living example of what it means to lead with heart.

Even now, everything I do—especially in my work with transplant families—is a reflection of the values she instilled in me. I’m forever grateful for her example, her sacrifices, and the way she’s helped me become someone who can now give that same kind of support to others.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move