In this powerful and deeply human episode of Kidney Transplant Conversations, filmmaker Donald Griswold shares the extraordinary story behind his documentary film "Abundant," a cinematic exploration of one of the rarest and most profound acts of generosity: non-directed living kidney donation.

Donald, a first-time filmmaker at age 59 after a career in medical marketing, was drawn into the kidney donation world through research that revealed both a profound need and an untold story. What he discovered was not just a medical process, but a community defined by courage, empathy, and transformation. Abundant brings these stories to life through an innovative fusion of live storytelling, professional dance, and visual art, creating an immersive emotional experience that goes far beyond traditional documentary filmmaking.

The film features real donors who step onto the stage to share aspects of their personal journeys: why they chose to give part of themselves to a stranger, and how that decision reshaped their identity and sense of purpose. Their stories reveal the transition from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance.

Donald explains that Abundant was designed not just to inform, but to inspire and to open conversations, demystify donation, and empower patients and families to see new possibilities. With screenings across the country and a streaming release planned for March 2026, the film represents innovative advocacy rooted in storytelling, emotional connection, and human truth.

Abundant is ultimately a testament to what becomes possible when ordinary people embrace extraordinary generosity, and how one story can change countless lives.

Available for streaming March 26, 2026 at www.AbundantMovie.com, Abundant invites viewers to share the film and start the first step toward transplant and living donation.

Resources: Website: https://AbundantMovie.com

Streaming from: https://stuff.io (commencing March 26)

About Donald Griswold:

Donald Griswold - "Abundant" Writer, Director, and Producer, has lived in the Dallas, Texas area most of his life. ABUNDANT is his first documentary feature film, completing a life-long dream of being a filmmaker.

Donald graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television and Film, specializing in film writing. Donald has written and directed narrative, comedic and business scripts for video and audio. Donald’s experience includes writing, directing, and producing a wide range of video productions ranging from full-length DVD concepts to television commercials. He also has ghost written a memoir for a notable figure in the field of engineering.

Storytelling has always had great meaning to Donald. “At the heart, I am a writer first. And I’ve spent a lifetime learning the subtleties of telling a layered story. In fiction, I love tools like implication and context to allow the audience to play a part in understanding a story for themselves. But with filmmaking… Wow! there are so many ways to evoke emotion and connection with the audience. There are so many layers you can touch and create to effect that immersion and I enjoyed working in all of them! These are all reasons why I had to base my first feature film in the actual world of storytelling.”

Donald also writes works of fiction and non-fiction, and he published his first novel, Dying Light in 2017. In 2018, Donald opened Maitri River Productions, a non-fiction media production business to make media that inspires social change. ABUNDANT is the first production of Maitri River Productions.

As a storyteller, Donald has appeared in Oral Fixation, the critically acclaimed Dallas-based storytelling show. In 2015, his story for the show Push the Envelope was voted by the public as Best in Show, and he performed the story in the annual Best of Season show. Donald has also produced Word of Mouth, a live storytelling series that hosted shows in Dallas and Atlanta.

Donald is a long-time supporter of the arts in Dallas. He supports museums, local artists, and live performance, especially ShakespeareDallas.

As our understanding of APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) grows, so does the need for greater awareness. National APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day is observed annually on the last Tuesday of April.

In this episode of Kidney Transplant Conversations, we share an inspiring story of resilience, advocacy, and hope. Sharron Rouse opens up about her personal journey with kidney disease — a journey that began with a diagnosis of lupus nephritis, only to later discover she was actually battling FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis), a condition sometimes linked to the APOL1 gene variant that is found in around 35% of people of African ancestry.

In a heartfelt conversation with host Rolf Taylor, Sharron discusses the shock of her diagnosis, the challenges of navigating unclear answers, and the life-changing gift of a kidney transplant from her sister.

As the founder of Kindness for Kidneys International, Sharron is now a tireless advocate, raising awareness about the genetic factors influencing kidney health. She emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, the critical role of research into APOL1-related kidney disease, and the urgent need for greater awareness in communities of African descent.

Tune in to hear how Sharron’s story offers hope to kidney warriors everywhere, highlights the life-saving potential of genetic testing, and makes a powerful case for early intervention. This episode is both inspiring and a call to action for greater education, early screening, and community empowerment.

Kindness for Kidneys Website: https://www.kindnessforkidneys.org/

APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) Awareness Day: https://www.kidneyfund.org/amkd-day-proclamation

Should I get tested for the APOL1 gene? https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/apol1-mediated-kidney-disease-amkd

(c) Project Advocacy 2025

In part 2 of our discussions with Liz, Grace & Shelley, we invite our guests to reflect on six specific questions about their experiences of giving and receiving, and the world of kidney donation.

1. One thing that has been most wonderful about this experience 2. One thing that has been most surprising 3. One thing that has been really difficult 4. One way that you have changed personally because of this experience 5. One thing you wish you could change (magic wand question) 6. One call to action for listeners.

We delve into the remarkable stories of how Shelley, Liz, and Grace were connected through the life-saving act of kidney donation. Shelley, a special education teacher in Portland, Oregon, shares her journey of seamlessly becoming a donor, while Liz, a transplant recipient from Chicago, recounts her renewed zest for life and the accountability inspired by her "kidney sisters." Grace, a hospice nurse from the small island of Kauai, reflects on the joy and challenges of living far from her recipient and the emotional impact of reading a heartfelt letter of gratitude.

Through candid conversations, these women discuss the surprising ease of the donation process, the profound relationships formed, and the ripple effects of their decisions. They also highlight the struggles of shifting societal perceptions of organ donation and emphasize the importance of becoming advocates for this life-changing cause. Tune in to hear about their transformative experiences and the shared mission of encouraging others to consider donation, making a lasting impact on the lives of many in need.

(c) Project Advocacy 2024