Sister Keli Turns Kidney Failure into Inspiration
“Without your health, you have nothing.”
– Angele K Blackshear-Brown
Life can change in an instant, and for Angele K Blackshear-Brown—better known as Sister Keli—that moment came with an unexpected call from her doctor. What followed was a journey of resilience, faith, and the generosity of donors who made her second chance possible. Discover how she turned her struggles into a mission to uplift others and why blood and organ donation are so vital.
A Lifelong Battle
Angele K Blackshear-Brown, better known as Sister Keli, was diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager. She learned how to manage the disease and lived a pretty normal life.
Sister Keli graduated from Colerain High School and went to college in Columbus, Ohio. After college she took a job in education as an academic director in Cincinnati.
At the age of 36, she received a call from her doctor after a routine exam and bloodwork. The doctor told her to go immediately to the hospital for treatment as her kidney was failing. Sister Keli didn’t take it very seriously and finished her work day, went home, cooked dinner and eventually went to the hospital.
A Wake-Up Call
“If you want to fix it, face it,” says Sister Keli, who remembers finally realizing that she needed to face her health issues. She soon began a seven-year dialysis treatment for kidney failure while waiting for a transplant.
In 2019, Sister Keli received her kidney transplant at a Cincinnati hospital.
Spreading The Word
Sister Keli works with local media to tell the community about events they can attend or support to spread positivity and education. She also hosts a weekly show on Inspiration 1050-AM/103.1-FM called “Prayer and Praise with Sister Keli.” This show is in its ninth year of spreading joy around Greater Cincinnati.
Despite her own struggles, she maintains a positive attitude and is thankful for her good health these days. Not only is she an advocate for Hoxworth Blood Center, she also volunteers in the vice mayor’s office at Cincinnati City Hall and is the founder of Hope Fest, which takes place each August on Fountain Square. She maintains a busy lifestyle and continues to monitor her health. All of this is thanks to local doctors, her faith and a positive mindset.
Did You Know?
An organ transplant recipient may need up to 40 red blood cell units, 30 platelet units and 25 plasma units. Each April, Hoxworth Blood Center honors National Donate Life Month, established by Donate Life America and its partnering organizations in 2003.
Hoxworth is responsible for matching all transplant recipients in the Greater Cincinnati area, in addition to providing the blood products used during the procedure. In 2024, Hoxworth helped facilitate 642 organ transplants.
National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.
Saving Lives Close to Home
Thanks to our thousands of blood and blood-product donors in the Greater Cincinnati area, people like Sister Keli can receive life-saving surgeries and continue to thrive in their own lives. You can be part of that mission, too.