Eric received a gym membership and personal training.

My name is Eric. I’m 41 years old, And I live just outside of Chicago, In Romeoville Illinois.
At the age of 30 I was diagnosed with Glumerulonephritis. I was told that at some point and time my kidneys would fail.

Within six months my blood pressure turned miligment and rose to 230 over 120. The back of my eyes were hemorrhaging, and was lucky not to have a stroke. My kidneys shrunk to nothing and I became a dialysis patient. In a difficult time in my life, not knowing what to expect. The dialysis center was great and made my experience bearable.

But with all these new changes my life I became very stressed. I started getting migraines and my teeth hurt. With all the infections in my body, the hospital became my second home. One day while in the hospital I was feeling really down and depressed. The news came on announcing the accident and condition of Christopher Reeves. Seeing this I thought to myself there is always someone less fortunate
I should be thankful ..I think that day was a turning point in my life.
My faith grew stronger as I started to rely more on God.

In 1997 I was blessed with a Renal transplant. It was like hitting the lottery, a perfect match.
It is wonderful that people in their time of loss can think of someone else, And give such a precious gift that can turn someone’s life around. Things were back to normal I was healthy and productive once again. In 2004 again I was diagnosed with Glumerulonephritis. I had put on 80 pounds edema so bad, it was coming out of the pores in my skin I became short of breathe starting coughing and vomiting consistently
I had a hard time dressing myself.

By getting my Lab work done frequently I was diagnosed early. The doctors thought it might be reverseable.They put me on high doses prednisone and gave me a chemotherapy treatment. Within a week my kidney became so enlarged and scarred I had to be put on dialysis immediately. After a few months my transplanted kidney was rejecting 100%.

It was 9 years to the day that the transplanted kidney had to be removed.

It was a very sad day for me. I also had formed a clot in my lung which is being very weak and stay in bed most of the day. I know I’m getting stronger everyday and with a can do positive attitude, will be back to my healthy productive self.

An update from Eric

Wow what a difference already in a month’s short time. I actually look in the mirror sometimes. I am not really losing weight at this time but I don’t feel as mushy. I’m feeling a lot healthier and confident then I have been in a long time. Big thanks to you. I really enjoy Lifetime gym and feel at my best when I’m working out.

Andrzej received a bicycle from the foundation.

Hi my name is Andrzej, I am 23 years old. I am smart and always think positive. I like to travel so I came to Chicago. I would like to stay here forever, because Chicago is beautiful, big and modern. I am a dialysis patient at Fresenius Medical Care at Norridge. It is not easy for me to go there three times a week, but this is my life. I thank god he gave us this machine that cleans my blood and makes me feel better. The day when I will get the kidney is really close, so I will fight to the end. My goals are to get a transplant, buy a house, buy a car and have a family. My favorite sport is riding bike sometimes I just want to ride but since I don’t work I don’t have money for a new bike. My wish is to have a bike just for me. It would be wonderful to ride a bike for almost a whole year.

Nancy received a recumbent bike from the foundation.

I am 54 years old and have had Lupus since 1996 and end stage renal disease since November 2005. I have been on dialysis since April 2006. I used to walk two miles a day but had to stop in 1995 because of pain and fear of falling while I was out walking. I quit smoking in January 2004 and gained 80lbs, which I can’t loose. I basically sit in a chair when not traveling to and from dialysis or doctors office. I am on Medicare and when I met Shad Ireland he told me that I could get a piece of equipment for my home. I feel that this will give me a new lease on life. I would then be able to exercise safely without the fear of falling away from home. It will also give me the chance to loose enough weight to be eligible for a transplant.

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Kenneth received an elliptical machine from the foundation.

Before I became ill I was employed in the international freight forwarding industry which is arranging for the import and export of products of all kinds from and to the U.S.A… I was employed there for more than 20 years and held various positions in both operations, including operations manager. I have worked for both small and large freight forwarders and I found it rewarding knowing that I personally was responsible for the transport of valuable cargo to and from various shippers/ consignees through out the world. I would like to put this knowledge to work by becoming self sufficient.

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Abram received a gym membership from the foundation.

I have been on dialysis for over a year. It all came as a shock. Just got married and started looking for a home. My job was enjoyable. It’s hard but what brings my comfort is knowledge the more you know the better you can react to a situation, knowledge is power.

Nancy received a treadmill from the foundation.

I am a 50 year old Hispanic female currently on hemo dialysis for the past 4 years. Growing up I have always struggled with my weight. I am proud to say I am a good daughter. My father was paralyzed and I worked seven days a week to support my parents. When my mom died I cared for my dad and let him live out his life at home. Prior to my renal failure I was a data entry coordinator and took great pride in my work. Since starting dialysis I have not been able to work and have gone on disability.

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Ethel received a treadmill from the foundation.

I believe that a treadmill will help me keep some of the fluid off.

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Terry received an exercise bike from the foundation.

I first found out about my kidney disease when I tried to join the Marines. They told me that I had too much protein in my urine; that was back in 1975. In 1998 I began getting sick and in 1999 I started dialysis. I got a transplant in 2000 and in 2005 it failed. So I am now back on dialysis.

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Constance received a gym membership from the foundation.

I am a 23 year old woman, I graduated high school and went on to some college. I have been on dialysis for about 1 1⁄2 years, I take it one step at a time. I have had kidney problems since the age of 16 but this is my second time on dialysis. My life has been kind of ruff, but I do what I got to do. I make sure that I take all of my medication that’s required. All in all I love my life, I may have to do a little extra because of dialysis but it’s still okay.

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Shad,

First I’d like to say thanks for coming to our dialysis center. You brought hope knowledge and a wonderful testimony of life. I say life because there is so many struggles one faces on this earth. Not just ESRD. Your story can touch many people who are going thru this struggle.
Quick note: When I was taking Tae-Kwan-Do my instructor would drill in to our heads, “how do we learn?” and the class would respond “by example SIR”!
You with or without knowing it has set an example for many. Leaders set examples for others to either follow, learn, influence, direct and be shown a way. Thank you for that!
Well as of May, 27 2008 I’m a YMCA member thanks to you. It takes a lot of discipline to be consistent and I figured out that putting my self out there helps me a lot. And talking about the change I am making while I am doing it helps a lot. I am trying to become a better me.
I look forward to seeing you again in Chicago, I will keep in touch with you.

Your friend,
Kevin