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Funding for Pam’s grant was provided by National Renal Alliance.

Hello! My name is Pamela. I am fifty one years of age . I’ve been on dialysis for 16 years and I have been working most of my life on dialysis. I work for HYDAC Company, sometimes six days a week. My goal is to one day have a transplant, and to enjoy life more. I don’t exercise much because I work so much. I am hoping to get help with the program to feel even stronger. Thank you.

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My older sister, when she was eight, prayed for a baby sister at my parents request, I emerged in February, 1941. Personally I have always felt that I was sent by God via their special request. My life has been interesting since birth. I have five wonderful children, three sons and two daughters. Five grandsons have also adorned my life. My marriage was wonderful for 36 years, my husband died in 2005. I graduated high school in June 1958. Then I went to school for my LPN and graduated in 1959 with my degree. Since my graduation, I have had the opportunity to work in several nursing positions. My life was interrupted by my kidney disease in 2004. Being a kidney patient has altered my life but I continue my activities in spite of the demanding illness. Three times a week I go to my non paying job (dialysis). Eight years ago I lost my sight in my left eye. Legal blindness is one of my labels. Diabetes is another of my labels. The label of diabetic has been with me for 35 years. I love life and I enjoy people. For the past eight years I have worked the polls during elections. I serve on the United Religious Community Board. I am a member of the St. Augustine Catholic Church. I started a greeter program some years ago and I continue to serve. I love movies, dancing, traveling and lecturing on various topics. I will learn to love exercise. Physical exercise will help me live my life to the fullest.

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Taneisha was awarded an exercise bike from the foundation.

My kidney failure started the day I was born. I started peritoneal dialysis in 2005. Currently, I am a senior in high school. After I graduate I would like to go on to become a LPN or RN. I would like to receive an exercise bike. I feel that this piece of equipment would help me get in to better shape and lose some weight.

Barbara was awarded an exercise bike from the foundation.

Hi, my name is Barbara. I am 58 years old. I started dialysis on Good Friday in 2006. I was very sick all the time and always tired and run down. The first treatment I received I was really sick. After a couple of treatments I could see improvement. I have been on dialysis for four months and can improvement. I feel better. Because of dialysis I can live a better, healthier life. I am hoping to get am exercise bike in order to improve my health even more and reduce my weight. I currently go to my local YMCA 3 times per week to use their exercise bikes and pool. However, in the winter I do not get there very often due to weather conditions.

Cloyd was awarded a treadmill from the foundation.

When Shad asked me to write a story about my self I thought this would be no problem at all. However, after months of procrastinating I still do not have my story. I was worried about how I wanted to portray myself. How people see me is very important and I could not decide if I wanted people that would read this to see me as the person that is tough and strong or the real me. I decided on the real Bruce. The real Bruce is a man that is afraid to face each day because his life has been full of obstacles. In retrospect the initial obstacle occurred in 1971 when I was diagnosed with diabetes. It seemed to be the key to many battles to come. These battles ranged from blindness to high blood pressure, to my current battle, kidney failure. I don’t want people to think my life has not had some bright spots. There has been many. The birth of my two children Adrienne and Adam has been a very special event in my life. Watching them grow and mature into two wonderful young adults gave me the strength to keep battling my daily problems. My marriage to my wife Millie has been a wonderful part of my life. She has given me the love that I need and the spiritual guidance that I lacked most of my life.

Henry received a gym membership and a personal trainer from the foundation.

I started passing blood with my urine at about age 11 in 1963. I was taken to my family doctor who thought I was having problems with my prostate. I had many urinary tract infections at this time. After changing to another family doctor, he finally referred me to a urologist. At age 14 it was discovered that I was having a problem with kidney stones. At age 15 or 16, I had to have surgery. The tube from my right kidney to my bladder was completely blocked with urine and kidney stones. The right kidney was swollen to three times the normal size. The urologist said when he cut the tube that urine and kidney stones flew everywhere. As a result over two thirds of the right kidney was not functioning at that time. I continued to have reoccurring problems with kidney stones till I was about age 29. I had frequent IVP’s tests done over the years as a result of the kidney stones. These tests determined that part of the right kidney function had returned. I had a physical done in the 1980’s in which protein was found in my urine. As a result I was referred to a nephrologist who did some tests and told me he thought that if I lost weight that everything would be O.K. Most of the doctors who saw me through these years kept telling me to take my water pills and drinks lots of water to keep my kidneys flushed. I was diagnosed with diabetes in 1992. In May 2003 I was hospitalized with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. During the course of this hospitalization it was determined that I had severe kidney disease and I was referred to my current nephrologist. About three weeks later at a follow up visit with my nephrologist I was told that kidney dialysis would be in my future. He kept monitoring my kidney function and March 22,2005 I had surgery to have a fistula done in my left arm for kidney dialysis access. On July 28, 2005 I started kidney dialysis. I had to quit working in November 2005 due to chronic fatigue from kidney dialysis. I currently have dialysis Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for four hours and 15 minutes. I also have dialysis on Saturdays for three hours. I hope to get in better physical shape and have more stamina to be able to do things on dialysis days as well as non dialysis days.

Nancy received a treadmill from the foundation.

My name is Nancy M. I am 52 years old. I live in Reedsville, PA with my husband, Chuck. I have two children and two grandchildren. I have been on dialysis for 6 months.

I’ve had diabetes since I was 26 years old and high blood pressure for 4 or 5 years. The doctor kept telling me to get them both under control or my kidneys would go bad, but I never listened good enough. I started to fill up with fluid all the time and I couldn’t breathe.

When the doctor told me that I had to go on dialysis, I thought my whole life was over I just kept thinking that I wished I could go back in time so I could have time to listen better.

I get headaches when I’m on dialysis. I have to take pain pills when I’m on (the machine), but after I get off, I feel good. I can now do a lot of things that I couldn’t do for awhile like going for walks, going shopping, and enjoying my grandchildren more.

I now just have to wait and see if I can get a new kidney.

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I have been in dialysis for four years. I had been under the care of a nefrologist for several years when blood tests indicatrd that kidney failure would occur in the near future. I had surgery about a year before the inevitable time to install a fistula. I have tolerated the dialysis procedure quite well over the years , never been sick or had a bad session. However over the past year or so one of my arteries has ballooned to the point that I had to have surgery to correct the situation. This is a recent situation and I am in the process of recovery and healing before i can go back to using my arm for the dialysis procedure. Through all this I have always been an active person, with walking as one of my favorite health activity. With the advent of bad weather I have continued my walking at the local mall on my off dialysis days. I live next door to my son and family and fortunately have the companionship of my 12 year old grandson on numerous days. I am still able keep up with him in various activities of play.

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Matt received a treadmill from the foundation.

Where I live in Pennsylvania we have a lot of hills which make it difficult to conduct a walking program for a long-term dialysis patient. Also, the winter is quite long here and that makes it difficult to keep up a walking program.
I started on Peritoneal Dialysis some years ago. but that turned out to not work out well. I also got Peritonitis twice and had trouble with the catheter. I was not doing well on PD. I later had to get a Fistula in my left arm and went on Hemodialysis. After a while my access stopped working because of scarring from a previous catheter in the subclavian. I had to get a fistula in my right arm which worked for some years. I later got a kidney transplant which only lasted 7 months when it rejected. I went through a difficult hospital stay when they removed the kidney. After that I went back on dialysis and have been on Hemodialysis ever since. I believe a treadmill would greatly help me to get on a regular exercise program. Thank you Matt L

An update from Matt

Thanks for the new treadmill!
We are really happy with it and I’m sure it will really help in my health and exercise program. I am astounded as to how fast we received the treadmill.

thanks again
Matt L
Pittsburgh, Pa

Brad received a road bike and a helmet from the foundation.

I would like to receive this grant to help me with the costs of improving my fitness level. My Goal is to compete in a triathlon with Shad and Team Ireland in 2007. Improving my fitness level will help deter the effects of the dialysis treatments and will help with the over-all effects of feeling healthier and having more energy.

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Fred received a membership for a year to the YMCA from the foundation.

Hi my name is Fredrick R and I’m a single dad of one. I have been on Dialysis for 8 years and my body and strength is not what it used to be, that’s why I want to join this program so I can my mind and body right. My hobbies and sports and movies; My son is 16 years old and I at least want to be healthier so I can do things like play basketball and other things like that. I am so happy about this opportunity you are giving me, and I hope it helps me.

Thank you,
Fred R

John received a membership for a year to the YMCA from the foundation.

I am John and I have been on Dialysis since 1983. Have had my problems in the past but I am working on the problem right now. Before starting Dialysis I was a healthy person, and I want to start working out and eating right.

Reginald received a 1 year gym membership from the foundation.

Let’s just say that when I started dialysis I weighed about 280 pounds or more. Now I weigh 191 pounds and have no muscle mass. I want to get my strength back so I can enjoy my family and be able to be physically active with them. You see I sold drugs at a young age; I used them, traveled as far as Japan, and started on dialysis at age 22. At age 29 I had them taken from me, had heart surgery at age 34 and more in between. (NOT FUN). When I started on dialysis I did not want to do it. The first five years I did not take my pills properly, did not eat the proper foods and was a mess in the making. I was not motivated enough to want a transplant so I just lived life day by day. My grandfather always said, “I’m not the man I want to be, nor the man I wanted to be; but I’m glad I’m not the man I used to be” I can truly say that’s me now. I have played music all my life and I have my own studio. I want to make jingles and do commercials. I am very religious, I play for one of the greatest choirs and churches in the U.S.A., Fairview Full Gospel Baptist Church, and I love it very much. If anything, with all I have been through, I know now that God is first, then family, then everything else, which is why I am still alive. So if you can help me out I would greatly appreciate it.

An update on Reggie

Hi Shad.
I am following up with some information about Reggie, one of your recipients of a Y membership. He is getting stronger each week and has been able to change many of his medications because of his new endurance levels. His strength has improved and so has his cardio levels. His attitude has had the biggest positive effect. His wife who will be a kidney donor has begun to exercise and we see great changes in the entire family life. Reggie’s daughter, who is overweight, is now in a teen strength training program and will join our HIP Kids (Health Intervention Program) in 2 weeks.

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Tim received a 1 year Gym membership from the foundation.

I have been on dialysis since 2000 and my body has gotten out of shape. I would like to join a gym but I am on a fixed income and can’t afford it. So this program will be real good for me to get back into shape.

Daryl received a fishing kit from the foundation.

I have struggled on dialysis for years dealing with access problems and health issues. It is difficult to keep my self motivated. Having new fishing gear will keep me more motivated in life.

Helena received a treadmill from the foundation.

41 years young. I worked with the mentally ill for 10 years as a social worker. I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 1989; I was on prednisone for 8 years. I gained 150lbs and was diagnosed with Renal Failure in March of 2007; I started Hemo dialysis 3 times a day. I have lost 46 lbs since treatments. I can adjust to any character and I get along with everyone. I am always optimistic and take life one day at a time.

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Cynthia received a stationary bike from the foundation.

When I was 8 years of age I became a diabetic and life began to change for me from that time on I lived in a home that didn’t encourage you to be all you can be and I lived a life not caring about who I was and how to take care of the diabetes. When I got older and realized I was destroying my body with the way I was conducting my life I knew I had better change. So that’s when I started reading everything on diets and my eating habits began to change. By then my kidneys were becoming worse and I knew that the change didn’t come quick enough to reverse it. Even though this has happened I will try my best to make a difference in my life and to help others see the importance of good eating habits and lifestyle. I can’t take back what has been done to my body, but I can make sure that the rest of my life is a better one and be in testimony to the world that you can change and except the responsibility that’s before you.

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Lois received a treadmill from the foundation.

I started dialysis fourteen years ago. In 200 I had triple bi-pass surgery. In 2002 I had two stints put in. In 2003 I had another stint and a pacemaker applied. Later, I had a difibulater applied. Also in 2004 my daughter gave me a kidney, which went well but due to antibodies it was rejected. It took my body about a year to over all the rejection. In 2006 I had a pacemaker recall they replaced it. Praise God that 2007 has been a good year of restoration.

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Julie received a gym membership from the foundation.

It all happened on October 28, 2002. I woke up and began vomiting. When the vomiting did not stop, I called my doctor who wanted to see me right away. I was weak when I arrived at his office. They did some tests and I was told to go to the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital they took my vital signs, which were not good. They also had me undergo additional tests and gave me an IV for pain medicine. That was when I knew it was serious. Two hours later the doctor came in and told me that I have no kidney function and I would be admitted for more tests. After three days I was transferred to another local hospital to begin dialysis. My goals with a fitness grant include learning to eat better, quit smoking, feel healthier and improve my overall fitness. The latter in which I hope will help with my blood pressure as well. I never knew about dialysis until I got sick. There are so many people on dialysis. I thank the Lord everyday that dialysis is available. It is a blessing; I would not be here right now without it.

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Patricia received a gym membership from the foundation.

I was born with a congenital heart defect which I had open heart last year to put in a St. Jude Valve. I was also born with a bladder defect that both my ureters were twice the size they should be. Through my child hood and teens I had reflux too that ate away at my kidney, I had a netrectomy of my right kidney at age 20 I started Hemo dialysis at age 22-26. I was blessed with a cadaver kidney October 28, 1996; I had ten great years with it until it failed. My sister Mary donated her kidney to me May 3rd of this year ay NY Presbyterian Hospital. We had good success for two months with dialysis until I had a bowel obstruction and a hernia which required 2 surgeries. Then my urine out put decreased, my surgeon had me go to Radiology to go into my groin to check blood flow to my right kidney, the dissected my artery, lost all pulse in my right leg and numerous clots in my groin. Once again my transplant surgeon Dr. Ratner performed emergency surgery that took 8 hours. I had my donor kidney removed and all blood vessels had to be repaired with over 1,000 internal stitches. I had to quit my job as a medical assistant, my legs are too weak as well as my abdomen. I am a strong woman and will work like one to improve. I am now on the list again waiting for a cadaver kidney.

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David received a gym membership from the foundation.

I am a 39 year old father near York, PA. I have been a juvenile diabetic since the age of 18 and like others I let my self go until it was too late. I started hemodialysis around 3 years ago. I have my good days as well as my bad days like everyone else. I met Shad when he stopped by our dialysis center to talk with the patients about his experiences. Later in the day I started reading his book, and it reminded me of my own past; the feelings and emotions he experienced, I did as well growing up. The only exception was that I grew up in a two parent family. I lost my father when he was 44 years old, I was 18 when he died. I lost my mom at the age of 54 in 2001 from C.H. F. (congestive heart failure). She was also a juvenile diabetic and had coronary artery disease.

In 2002, I had my first heart attack at the Hanover Hospital. I was transported to York Hospital the next day and was waiting to see a cardiologist about my options. While waiting to talk to the doctor I realized that if I didn’t do something soon I would end up dying. I did not want to die before my kids grew up and made me a grand-dad.

With my first heart attack I had 5 blockages in my chest, 65% was the best blockage and 95% was the worst. While at the hospital I was getting my mind set on the worst case scenario. I figured I was going to need a bypass. The cardiologist came in on a Monday and told me he wanted to try stints. I was still having chest pain after about 6 months and he figured I had scarring over the stint. He did a catheterization to verify this and I remember him saying, “You are going to Washington Hospital Center all right but for a bypass.”

I was in the hospital a few years prior, visiting my mom after her triple by bypass surgery. Ironically, I ended up with the same doctor as my mom. The only difference is I had a quadruple bypass. I was 34 years old when I had my surgery. Throughout the years I was seeing a nephrologist and he informed me that it was a matter of time before I would need kidney dialysis.

It took a few years before I was diagnosed with end stage renal disease. I was also diagnosed with having C.H.F. (congestive heart failure) a few years after my bypass. Just like others, I learned to “deal” with the health problems. When I started dialysis I weighed a little over 300 Lbs. I am now down to the mid 230’s. My dry weight is now 107 Kilos and is still dropping. I also have diabetic neuropathy, which is affecting my feet, legs and now my stomach. My doctor prescribed Reglan, which I take at each meal. It is working so far.

Over the past few years my strength has decreased. Shad told me a good exercise regimen will bring my strength back. I hope he is right, only time will tell.

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Shirley received a gym membership from the foundation.

Shirley shared with us that she would like to join a gym that has the Silver Sneakers Program so she can go and get exercise by walking.

Hugh received a gym membership from the foundation.

My name is Hugh, I was born on April 21 1949 on a farm in White Hall, Maryland. I grew up on a dairy farm where I helped as far back as I can remember. When I was 16 I left school to contribute to building a new home shared with my parents and younger brothers and sister. I continued working until I retired at 58. I retired from Baltimore County Schools where I had worked for 40 years.

I’ve been through ten operations beginning with a broken neck when I was 21 years old. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes in 1988. In 2002 I learned I had diabetes shortly after recovering from cancer surgery. This is about the time I started having kidney problems which resulted in two hospital stays and eventually requiring dialysis. I began dialysis in August, 2006 I am hoping to have a kidney transplant in December of 2007. We are waiting to confirm that our older daughter Paula will be able to be my kidney donor. The wait until December, 2007 is required because I have to be five years post colon cancer surgery.

I currently live on a thirty acre farm in Stewartstown, PA with my wife and two younger daughters. The farm, animals and daughters keep me busy so I don’t have much time to get bored. The four of us used to do all of the farm work but now it is mostly my wife Vicki, and daughters Kelsey, age 15, and Hailey who is 11 that takes care of the farm.

I have always kept myself busy and active which is probably one of the hardest parts about kidney failure and dialysis. I simply do not have the energy to do things I have always done.

When I first started dialysis I felt alone, scared and unsure of my life and future. With young daughters, I did not know if I should retire or try to keep working. I worked for ten months after starting dialysis. Starting work at 6:30 AM, and not getting home until 9:00 PM on three days each week that I had dialysis, finally forced me to make the decision to leave work early.

The staff at the Dialysis Center on Charles Way has worked to accommodate my schedule on several occasions while I worked and again when I retired. They are a great team who have become like family to me.

Melvin received a stationary bike from the foundation.

The main reason for my condition is high blood pressure. The treatment for my condition is Hemo dialysis for eight hours three times a week. I was born and lived in New Orleans until 8-2005 until Hurricane Katrina hit. After that my family relocated to Allentown, PA. My life floated by my wife and myself as we sat in the hurricane waters, all my hard work and lives worth was gone.

The clothes on our backs was all we had, the most important thing was that my family was all together and alive. After 25 years of not paying rent and owning most of everything I had. We are now in Allentown and paying rent and it is hard to adjust to a life changing experience. The exercise bike would help me get my body and soul in shape. This could be the first step to my life getting back on track.