BIG SISTER, LITTLE SISTER

When I was small, my grandparents lived nearby, and we were lucky to see them often. One of my grandfathers was a happy, down-to-earth, soft-hearted man. As kids, we naturally gravitated toward his kind nature. He gave my little sister and me the nicknames “Big Poke” and “Little Poke.” I never asked what “poke” meant—maybe he was using the Scottish term for a small sack or purse, or maybe it was short for pokeweed, since he often commented we were growing like weeds. Whatever the meaning, to me, it symbolized that we were just two variations of the same thing.

There’s a special, almost magical bond that can form between sisters, and I’m fortunate to have experienced it. Despite all the things that could come between us—geography, opinions, experiences, beliefs—we are forever connected by the unbreakable thread of sisterhood. We share family, history, and genetics. We have weathered some emotionally tough times at each other's side and she will forever occupy a part of my heart.

The two art pieces shown here remind me of my sister and how protective I feel of her. That’s why I’ve chosen to donate the profits from the sale of these pieces to the PKD Foundation of Canada.

ON LEFT/LITTLE SISTER: YOUTHFUL CONFIDENCE (12X12 in)
ON RIGHT/BIG SISTER: REMAIN POISED IN ALL YOUR SPLENDOR (28X18 in)

Supporting PKD Research

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition that runs in my family. While many people with PKD experience mild symptoms, my sister has suffered severe effects, leading to kidney failure. She urgently needs a life-saving kidney transplant.

Because PKD is genetic, many of our immediate family members aren’t suitable donors. So, we’re searching for a brave and generous living donor—someone from our extended family, friends, colleagues, or even a kind-hearted stranger.

By purchasing one (or both!) of these art pieces, you can help support the PKD Foundation of Canada and its mission to "promote programs of research, advocacy, education, support, and awareness to discover treatments and a cure for polycystic kidney disease and improve the lives of all it affects." If you choose to add one of these pieces to your collection, thank you for supporting a cause so dear to my heart.

Learn More About MY SISTER’S Journey

To learn more about Krista’s story, PKD, living kidney donation, and ways you can help share her story, please click the button below to visit www.kidney4krista.com