Meet Allison.

Allison has polycystic kidney disease, which can regularly cause headaches, high blood pressure and abdominal pain, will require the care of nephrologists for the rest of her life. It is highly likely that Allison will need a kidney transplant as an adult, because there is no cure for the disorder.

But Allison’s world includes so much beyond her disease. This polite, well-spoken teenager is well-versed on issues involving equality; Allison is transgender and she and her family proudly marched with the Cincinnati Children’s Transgender Clinic and clinic families in the Cincinnati Pride Parade this past June, a memorable celebration.