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My dialysis career began on Oct 13th, 1998. The beginning was not easy as most people know. It was a time of much adjustment. As time went on and I accepted what the doctor just told me, things got better. It took about 5 years for me to get “my numbers” right. Last year was a difficult year as I underwent open heart surgery. I had no symptoms telling me that I needed it. I needed a hernia operation and my surgeon sent me to my cardiologist to get permission. It was then, on July 4th, that I found out about my heart condition. After the surgery I was on my feet in 2 days without assistance. Overall, everyone was surprised with my speedy recovery.

Now that I am feeling better I would like to get back into shape. I fell into a life of non-activity. I would also like to quit smoking and use exercise to help me get through it. My doctor has approved for me to start on a gradual exercise program and has signed off on my desired equipment wish. Please let me know if your foundation is able to help me with my goal.

Thanks so much,

Timothy

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Terese received an Elliptical machine for her home from the foundation.

When I was asked to sit down and write my story, I thought my story has been rather short and boring. What am I going to write about? Then I thought well maybe someone will read my story and think, you know I feel that way or wow it really helps to know that someone else feels that way. So I hope that putting my story into words makes someone feel like they aren’t alone, that you can get through it, you just have to figure out how is best for you.

My diagnosis came rather quickly from what I have learned about ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease). I became hypertensive due in part to a prescribed medication and the hypertension led to the kidney failure all in less than six months. That’s really the short story. In retrospect, my life changed dramatically. I have had to learn to eat differently, not drink as much liquid, since I am retaining all of the fluid I take in, and take more pills than anyone should have to take, especially at my age. I am 28 years old. I guess that’s the most difficult part for my friends and family to handle. They say, “You’re so young, I can’t believe this happened to you!” But I can’t look at it that way. I have to be positive, there’s no other alternative for me. I can’t just lie around feeling sorry for myself, that’s just not me. Don’t get me wrong, I have bad days when I’m sad and worse days when I cry but I remember that this does not define me. It is something that happened to me and not something that I can control so instead I stay focused on other aspects of my life. I started back to work after not working for 3 months, which was an absolute blessing! Before I got sick I used to have a bad attitude about work. Now, I’m glad to be able to work and be independent.

Dialysis, while it is a huge inconvenience it’s something that helps a great deal. Before I went on dialysis, I was so weak I could hardly walk and so tired that I slept for much of the day. Because of dialysis, I can do more things like work; go out at night, and exercise. I also use alternative medicine, like acupuncture, to supplement the dialysis. Acupuncture has helped me with my energy level too. I’d like to be able to say that the ability to deal with it comes naturally, but I would be lying. You really have to convince yourself that you can maintain and live. A good support team is also important. You need other people to help you. It took me a while to understand that point. I have always been very independent so when I got sick, I thought I could take care of myself, I was wrong. I quickly figured out that without the love and help from my family and friends, it wasn’t going to work. I am forever grateful for the help and support that they have given me throughout this period. It takes time but with a good support system and a strong will, you can learn to cope with most anything that comes along.

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Lee received a gym membership and time with a trainer from the foundation

Up until the turn of the century I only had to worry about diabetes and high blood pressure, which I didn’t take seriously. I felt pretty good. I had no idea what these illnesses could do.

On 2/3/00, I felt dizzy and I asked my neighbor to take me to the hospital. The only thing I remember was walking into the emergency room. I later learned I was in a coma for 5 months. No one expected me to live. They gave me a 5% chance of living. They had to remove the whole front of my belly. I had gangrene. From what I understand they had my belly wide open for most of the time I was in the coma. I was told they took me to the operating room twice a day to remove the poison.

From that day on my troubles started. When I woke up I didn’t remember how to do anything. I couldn’t stand up, walk, talk, eat, my balance was gone, or any of the other motor skills I possessed before going into the coma. I’ve only been in a wheelchair for about 2 1/2 years I guess, before then I could walk. They had to insert an electronic voice box into my throat so I could talk. I though it was neat, I sounded like Robocop!

Since then I’ve had some huge setbacks. I’ve been in rehab several times. In the first 2 years after I came out of the coma I’ve fallen over 300 times. Yes, I lost my short term memory by smashing the back of my head on the ground every time I fell. The paramedics, police and firemen were always here picking me up off the floor. I don’t fall too much anymore, but when I do, I still can’t get up off the floor. My legs are too weak.

I’ve just had cancer removed from my face and they had to remove my big toe on my right foot, but they claim it won’t stop me from walking.

After going to dialysis for 2 1/2 years I learned in order to get a transplant I had to get my labs under control. I’ve succeeded with doing just that. Now I’m told I have to lose weight and even then there is no guarantee I’ll receive a kidney. I’ve tried to lose weight on my own, but I have to get to a gym to exercise. At one point I managed to get to a gym only to find I needed a trainer, but I can’t afford a trainer or even the gym anymore. I don’t receive that much on SSI. I’ve lost some weight only to put it back on plus.

I want to strengthen my whole body so I can hopefully get out of this wheelchair, get a kidney transplant and get on with my life, such as it is. Until I met you and heard of your program I’d given up having a semi normal life. You have given me renewed faith, Thank you! PS, I’m 260 lbs.

Respectfully,

Lee H.

Tony received a Bicycle and a helmet from the foundation.

I knew that I had kidney problems long before I actually became sick. I didn’t want to focus on my illness because, I thought, if I did not think about it ….. Then maybe it would not manifest itself. I was wrong, obviously. Even still, I have yet to go through the anger or any of that because I felt blessed to not have it any worse. Many dialysis patients have it a lot worse than me. Some have swollen appendages, others have serious complications, such as fluid around their hearts, and still others have additional conditions with which to deal. I feel blessed that, other than kidney disease, I am relatively healthy. At my dialysis center, I always inject levity and smiles into all my conversations with my fellow patients. I feel that it’s healthy as well. I would like to stay healthy. I understand that getting back to working out is imperative to accomplish that goal. I don’t play impact sports anymore, so I am thinking about getting a bike to ride long miles while taking in the scenery.

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Ulysses received a one year gym membership from the foundation.

During my entire life I have always been involved in lifting weights. I have competed in weight lifting competitions and have won many. In January 2005, the unthought-of became reality. I went to the hospital thinking I had caught the flu from working outside in the snow. When the nurse did a urine sample, everything came out from behind closed doors when they told me I had Kidney Failure and would have to do dialysis. I thought life as I knew it was over. During the time I was driving truck, which I have always done and I could think was, I am going to have to stop working and how will my family and I make it. Little did I know, Kidney Failure brought me closer to many things that I had not been putting my full attention on such as church and a good workout plan. Not a day has gone by since I was diagnosed that I did not live my life as I always have. I was able to get on a locally with a trucking company that was willing to work around my dialysis and I am in church again. If there is anything such as a curse becoming a blessing than this is it. Having Kidney Failure has not changed my life or my attitude. I am working out at home as much as I feel up to it and my daughter is my work out partner. She pushes me and lets me know that I am still as strong as I have always been, if I just focus on it and put my mind to it. My wife has been there for me from the beginning and I could not have gotten through this with out my family.

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Joseph received a one year gym membership from the foundation.

My name is Joseph I am a 63 year old man and have been a kidney patient for twelve years. I am a retired fire fighter and the father of four grown daughters, fourteen grand children and three great grand children. I am a member of the United Baptists Church where I am a member of two ministries. I am a widower, my wife and I have been married for thirty-seven years before she died of cancer. I live alone now but I am not lonely. I am an out going person. I was pleased to meet and talk with Shad Ireland at my unit in August when he gave his business card. You would think all great people are ten feet tall.

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Kenneth received a one year gym membership from the foundation.

My journey toward kidney failure began in 1997, when after striking a dog, which I did not see I had an eye examination. The exam revealed that I had diabetes. Given the damage to my eyes and the rest of my body, it was determined that the diabetes had been long standing, at least 17 years or more. After numerous laser treatments my condition resulted into a detached retina and other eye problems. The journey continued down hill with three life threatening illnesses. Additionally I developed an ulcerated foot which required bone removal and five skin grafts. Almost a year of physical inactivity exacerbated weight gain and poor muscle tone. Eventually kidney failure necessitated dialysis to keep me alive. An exercise program will assure optimum fitness as I await kidney transplant.

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Joseph received a treadmill for in his home from the foundation.

Joseph shared with us that his goals are to get and look healthier and to get in better shape. He would also like to be able to breathe better while walking.

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Cecile received an elliptical machine from the foundation.

Cecil shared with us a few of her goals which are:

1. To stay away from the hospital
2. To be as healthy as I possibly can
3. To be as fit and active with well toned muscles
4. To live and enjoy every minute of my life today because tomorrow is never promised
5. To bring cheer and joy to those who cross my path
6. To live a holy and spirit filled life
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Eddie received a treadmill from the foundation.

My story is probably the same as most dialysis “ I did not believe this would happen to me”, becoming dependent on dialysis treatments to sustain my day-to-day existence. Early on I accepted and came to terms with the impact the treatments would have on my life and the lives of my family. Yes, I could have become upset and depressed but what would it accomplish? I am blessed because the dialysis treatments make me feel more energized and I do not crash as I have heard happen to some patients. I continue to do most of the activities that I love; family support is a major component.

John received a treadmill from the foundation.

I was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1988 and started dialysis in 2002. The reason for my kidney failure is diabetes. I found out I was diabetic 2 years before being diagnosed with kidney disease. One day I was trying to catch the bus to go to work and I fell. I was still able to get up and go, however I was very dizzy at work. I left early to see the doctor and at that time I was diagnosed with diabetes. I tried to change my habits, improve my diet, take my medications to help control my blood sugars, but it seemed nothing worked. Two years later I was diagnosed with CKD. When it was time for me to start hemodialysis, I was very scared. I skipped treatments and never wanted to come back. The nurses and techs and everyone at the facility helped me come to terms. They provided a better understanding for me about dialysis and what’s going on in my body. I am dealing with it much better now and do not miss any treatments since I know how important they are. I have had a rough year, being in and out of the hospital for other complications. I want to start exercising to help build my energy level up to keep me strong and out of the hospital. I am hoping for you to grant me a treadmill so that I can exercise on my off days from HD, Thank you.

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Vera received an elliptical machine from the foundation.

Vera shared with us that she wants to improve her physical fitness, and with this grant it can be possible.

Michella received an elliptical machine from the foundation.

I became ill in 2004 and have been fighting ever since trying to loose weight to be able to walk at least two blocks or more before having to stop because my legs are not strong enough. I am hoping that a treadmill will help me increase my energy level and strength. And also help me be able to reach my goal of opening my own restaurant.

Darrin received a gym membership from the foundation.

I have been on dialysis for 15 years. I am an active member of St. Veronica’s Catholic Church. I also run a volunteer outreach organization on my days off from work. I would love to get a fitness grant to help me get into better shape.

Lashan received a gym membership from the foundation.

I became ill when I was 20. I was pregnant with my 1st child. After I gave birth I went on dialysis. Thank God for my Parents, Family and friends and church because without them I would have killed myself. It has not been an easy road but this road has made me full of compassion and love for others. I have met and made so many wonderful friends. Even though I do home treatments I still visit my nurse, doctors and other patients.

Elmer received a recumbent bike from the foundation.

Elmer shared with us that he would love to be able to ride a stationary bike in his home.

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Dolores received a gym membership from the foundation.

The doctors don’t know how I developed because I don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes. When I found out I had kidney disease I was so up set it took me a while to come to grips with it. I found it hard to deal with this disease. I am living my life the best that I can, going to church and line dancing.

Michael received a recumbent bike from the foundation.

I am 63 years old and I am married and I have 4 grown birth children and two adopted children ages 14 and 11. During the day I drive a school bus and balance the many needs of PD. I am still getting used to the fact that I need dialysis, but overall have come a long way. I am forever grateful for the support of my wife and family who remind me often of the improvements made so far.

Yolanda received a gym membership from the foundation.

I am 45 years old and have been on dialysis for almost 2 years. I became diabetic when I was pregnant with my first child; I was in denial for about 10 years or so. I didn’t take my high blood pressure serious enough and now I have ESRD. I am still finding it hard to except even though my doctor says everything is going ok. I have hated exercise my whole life, but I think I am ready to take responsibility for my health now, I think it is now or never.

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received a gym membership from the foundation.

I am married and have four wonderful sons. I became a grandmother once again she is so cute. My church is very important to me, and together with my family, supports me to endure all of life’s ups and downs. Last year I had the opportunity to talk with Shad when he visited my dialysis center. He told me about applying for a fitness grant to help me lose the weight I need to so I can get on a kidney transplant list. I felt so inspired by just looking at Mr. Ireland and he was so self assured and told me that I can lose the weight.