Jennifer Frost of Seabrook 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 the 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" Frost said. 

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. 

As her kidneys lost their ability to function, Frost started peritoneal dialysis, 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 uncertainty she faces, Frost’s spirit remains resilient. Though she cannot be on the field with her Franklin Pierce field hockey teammates this season, her presence is still felt. In an effort to rally around their teammate and bring attention to the importance of kidney donation, the Franklin Pierce field hockey team hosted a Kidney Awareness Game on Tuesday against Assumption University. 

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Assumption, ranked seventh in the country, won 1-0. Franklin Pierce players had shirts made that said “Ravens field hockey” on the front and Frost’s initials and "Organ donation saves lives” on the back. Tables were set up on campus where people could make donations and color a paper ribbon in green, the color of kidney disease. The colored paper ribbons were hung around the turf during the game., and there was also a donation booth at the game for kidney disease. 

Franklin Pierce players had green ribbons in our hair, and gave them to Assumption to wear in their hair.

"Hosting this game allows us to raise awareness for Jen and the millions of others waiting for life-saving organ donations" said head coach Marissa Butler. "It is important for others to understand how critical living donors are and the impact these organizations have."  

Proceeds from the game will benefit the National Kidney Foundation.

Frost's journey at Franklin Pierce has been shaped by the environment she found within the field hockey team.

"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,” she said. “Everyone's been so unbelievably supportive and open to learning about what I'm going through." 

For Frost, juggling school, field hockey and frequent doctor's appointments has been a 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 said. 

Frost 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. 

To learn more about becoming a living donor or to support the National Kidney Foundation, visit kidney.org. 

Danielle McCarthy is director of athletic communications at Franklin Pierce University. Additional information provided by FPU field hockey graduate assistant Erickson Richard.