Jennifer Frost (Seabrook, N.H.) never saw it coming. As a standout field hockey player, she had powered through her entire senior season at Winnacunnet High School in the fall of 2023 without a hitch. A stalwart forward with a reputation for grit and determination, she had no idea that beneath the surface, her body was struggling. In February 2024, just months before she was set to graduate, Jennifer received devastating news: both of her kidneys were failing. 
"Never in a million years thought I would ever have to deal with something like this so early in life" says Jen. The shock diagnosis came as a complete surprise. In her words, she went from preparing for her future in college to fighting for her life in what felt like the blink of an eye.
Jennifer's world changed drastically. As her kidneys lost their ability to function, she started peritoneal dialysis (PD), a treatment that she now undergoes daily as she waits for a living donor. Her once active, fast-paced life on the field was replaced with a waiting game — one she has no control over.
Despite the overwhelming uncertainty she faces, Jennifer's spirit remains resilient, a testament to the strength that has made her such a critical part of Franklin Pierce's field hockey program. Though she cannot be on the field with her teammates this season, her presence is still felt in a powerful way. In an effort to rally around their teammate and bring attention to the importance of kidney donation, the Franklin Pierce field hockey team is hosting a Kidney Awareness Game on October 15th, 2024, in a matchup against Assumption University.
"Hosting this game allows us to raise awareness for Jen and the millions of others waiting for life-saving organ donations" says head coach Marissa Butler. "It is important for others to understand how critical living donors are and the impact these organizations have. We are excited to honor Jen on the 15th to show our love and support for her."
The awareness game will feature not only a fierce competition on the field but also a host of initiatives designed to inform the public about kidney disease, the importance of living donors, and how to support those in need. Proceeds from the game will benefit the National Kidney Foundation, a cause close to Jennifer's heart as she continues her battle. 
Jennifer Frost's journey at Franklin Pierce has been shaped by the strong, supportive environment she found within the field hockey team. Reflecting on her decision to attend the school, she said, "Part of the reason I chose Franklin Pierce was because I loved the team environment, and since being here, they've only solidified my opinion. Everyone's been so unbelievably supportive and open to learning about what I'm going through."
For Jennifer, juggling school, field hockey, and frequent doctor's appointments has been a monumental challenge. But the outpouring of support from her teammates and coaches has made all the difference. "My teammates and coaches have become a family for me. The support and understanding have helped me so much. It gives me so much comfort during these uncertain times to know I have such a great group of people behind me," she shared.
The journey has been long, but Jen remains hopeful that her time will come — that a living donor will be found, and she can return to the sport and life she loves. Until then, she continues her treatments, remains connected to her team, and works to raise awareness for kidney disease.
October 15th will be an important day for the Franklin Pierce field hockey program, a day when the team plays not just for a win, but for a cause that hits so close to home. Jennifer Frost won't be in uniform, but her fight — and the fight for every person awaiting a donor — will be front and center.
To learn more about becoming a living donor or to support the National Kidney Foundation, visit their website at kidney.org.
