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My name is Robert Jr. I am 35 years old. I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now due to hurricane Katrina I am a resident of McMinnville, Tennessee. Married to Cindy for 12 years with no children. I am disabled due to medical reasons. I was born with medical problems including a weak kidney that failed at the age of 14. I have had three kidney transplants. The last one lasted seven years. It failed due to a gallbladder surgery that set up infection in 2003. I have been on dialysis since. I have recently learned that I am no longer a candidate for another transplant due to also discovering liver disease in 2003, and this year learning that I have heart disease too. Along with other medical issues; including my feet and legs weakening. I am needing to use a wheelchair regularly and really don’t want to be dependant on a wheelchair. I will spend the rest of my life on dialysis. Due to this fact I really want to take better care of my self through diet and exercise, to extend my life and have a better quality of life.

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Jessica received a 1 year gym membership and personal training sessions from the foundation.

My name is Jessica. I am 24 years old. I was born in Charleston, SC but lived mainly in NC and in TN. After graduating high school I enlisted in the US Coast Guard. About 2 1/2 years into my 6 year enlistment I was diagnosed with CKD. The actual disease was FSGS. All I could think was my career is over and my life is in for a big change. At that time I was medically retired out of the coastguard. I moved back to NC and a year later started on dialysis in 2005. The first year was terrifying and I didn’t know what to expect. Everyday something different went wrong. After that year things got better. My health was getting better. I have recently moved back to be near my father and family. I am attending an excellent dialysis clinic and want to achieve some of my goals. I would like to request help with a gym membership, in order to pursue my physical improvement goals.

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Paul received a 1 year Gym membership from the foundation.

My name is Paul. I am a 45 year old single male. I recently lost my kidneys in March of 2004 due to hypertension. Since then I have had to attend a clinic 3 times a week for 3 1/2 to 4 hours per treatment. These treatments can be rather draining. Over the years I find my self less active and a lot weaker. I used to be very active in work and play but now I don’t have much energy to do either. If you could help me regain my strength, energy and endurance it may help me to re-adjust to my new lifestyle and to help others.

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Bonita received a 1 year gym membership and personal training sessions from the foundation.

I was diagnosed with ESRD and began dialysis in October 2006. I have learned that due to my weight, I am unable to qualify for a transplant. Also due to weight and diabetic neuropathy I am unable to do normal aerobic exercises, and thus unable to reach the desired target weight. Before I became so ill I had started attending the water aerobic classes at the local rec center. It was something I was able to actually do and I did the exercises three times a week. My disease progressed and I had to stop going. Since I have started the dialysis, I find myself feeling so much better and would like to go back to the rec center and start water aerobics again.

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Vicki received a one year gym membership from the foundation.

I had my first kidney infection in Jan 1987. My gynecologist diagnosed me with proteinuria and advised me to continue monitoring my kidney functions. In 1994, I began an LPN and began working in dialysis. I was followed by two Nephrologists over the years who were employed by the company I work for. I gave birth to my son in 1999 with the risk of my kidneys failing. He was a healthy baby boy who is now 7 years old. In 2003, I was diagnosed with focalglomerularsclerosis. My creatinine slowly crept up over the years and my symptoms, excessive tiredness, low hgb and hct, lack of energy, low filtration rate, caused me to start dialysis in April 2007. I am still working as a dialysis nurse as much as my body allows and I am a pt at my clinic. I must admit I am a model patient, I have seen both sides of the picture. Adjust the focus on the camera and get a new roll of film, I am just getting started.

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Harvey received a 4 wheel bicycle from the foundation.

I would like to further my recovery from two open heart surgeries. I would like to be able to exercise my polio legs with out falling over on my left side due to leg muscle atrophy and steroid induced left hip bone loss. Crawling on the floor and out on to the porch is not enough. With the use of a stable four wheel bike I will be able to get the much needed exercise, physically and emotionally this will help me.

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Jacqueline received a recumbent bike for her home from the foundation.

I began dialysis with Dr. Zeno in September of 2006 I have been grateful for my results. I have been unable to be too active until now and can see how exercise can help. I live alone, but very close to my niece and her family, who help me a great deal. I love to shop and keep up with world events through news papers, magazines, etc…. My niece gave me a computer for Christmas, which I love I can check the news and shop on it too…

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Kenneth received a treadmill for his home from the foundation.

I am a seventy-one year old father of two adult children. My wife and I take care of each other and we have done so for the past fifty years. Literally our wedding anniversary was on June 15, 2007. We had planned a large gathering and celebration, but my health has just been too bad. I have two grandchildren Will and Lacy, who I think are wonderful and love spending time with. My daughter is a nurse and my son works in the county school system. When they were both very young I lost my right kidney from a stone that I had been carrying around for years, maybe birth in my right Ureter. The right kidney atrophied from the blockage of that stone, and both stone and kidney had to be removed. The stone was the size of a hen egg and my wife used to bring it out for a conversation piece. I have spent my entire life building homes for people, working with my father and his cousins.

My parents died a few years ago at age 95 and 93. My father was seldom sick and loved life more than anyone I have ever known. He took such pleasure in the simple things. My mother finally gave up her fight with cancer at age 93 she had macular degeneration and underwent a mastectomy when she was in her eighties, but that really didn’t change her lifestyle. Because my parents lived near me and did not drive. For my entire life I have taken care of them. Driving them to get their groceries do their banking pay their bills and maintain their home. My life has always been about doing for others and now with this kidney failure I just don’t have the energy to do those things. Until you have lost your ability to serve, as you have all of your life, you cannot understand how not having this ability makes you feel. There were always times when I would fuss about yard work or household repairs but now that my energy level is so low that I cannot do these things ……well it makes all the difference in my attitude toward life and living. I recently fell from the front porch of my home, trying to avoid a sudden down pour of rain. That fall impaired my physical abilities even more so than what has been occurring with the dialysis and anemia. I become very short of breath and my ability to rest and eat has diminished. I want to live as long as my father did and I want to have the quality of life he enjoyed. I believe in the quotation for Shad Ireland in which it is stated “to live with a chronic illness is not a limitation but a special invitation to those who are willing to accept the challenge” I would like an opportunity to accept that challenge.

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Dorothy received a Kayak from the foundation.

I am 73 years old and have been on dialysis for almost three years. I try to have a good attitude and try to help others have a good attitude. I believe it could be something a lot worse that kidney failure. I had to quit work but have gone back to volunteering one day a week. It is good exercise and I enjoy seeing my “work friends”

I love to be in or on the water and fish when ever I can. Thank goodness I can still drive and go to the lake whenever I want to.

I had the opportunity to go kayaking a couple of years ago and fell in love with it. I am so excited with just the thought of maybe having a kayak of my own.

We all need something to look forward to and being on the lake in a kayak would be something I would love to look forward to everyday. I appreciate being considered for this fitness grant.

An update from Dorothy

I was given a kayak by your foundation I want to thank you and let you know how much I am enjoying paddling around the lake. Its great exercise and I love being on the lake.

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Michael received an elliptical machine from the foundation.

I was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1998 and went on dialysis in March of 1999. I have had several fistulas put in my arms over the years since then. At the current time I am doing fine.

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Elbert received a treadmill from the foundation.

Hi, they call me Bear. I was born in 1948. At the age of 10 I started working on the water with my grand dad. At the age of 18 I went in to the Navy. I had a liver transplant that failed. I was pronounced brain dead in the hospital for 11 months. Now I have to have dialysis. My wife has stage four cancer so I need to get stronger to help her and our 11 year old daughter.

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Sabrina received a stationary bike from the foundation.

The effects of kidney disease and my life kidney disease affects your life in many different ways, but how you deal with it makes all the difference. Before starting dialysis and experiencing the symptoms of kidney disease, going back to school and beginning on my career path were my goals. Little did I know at the time that this life changing event would be my main source of motivation. Preparing myself to go back to school seemed difficult at the time. When I was diagnosed with kidney disease at 27 I was devastated, and unsure of how to cope with this disease? I didn’t have a clue on what kidney disease or dialysis was all about. I figured I surely wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything now. I felt alone, depressed and irritable. Everything seemed to be happening so fast I didn’t have time to think, or make any decisions. And before I knew it I was on dialysis. I was in denial and couldn’t believe what was going on with me. Why was this happening to me? All I knew was that I was going through something; I felt I had no control of, and my life had changed. I would be limited from the things I had done before. After coming home from the hospital, it was challenging getting back into my normal routine and getting my body adjusted to the treatments. After treatments my body would be so drained, I couldn’t do anything, but go right to sleep when I got home. Instead of caring for my little ones I had to have someone care for me. My appetite was up and down, and I was on a strict renal diet. Along with the many medications there were also many side affects to deal with. What disturbed me the most was not being independent, not having the energy, or time to do things I used to do. I began researching, going to meetings, and gathering information about kidney disease to understand it more and find ways to better control my health. I began to seek hope, share my feelings, and become determined to no longer let this ailment control me. I was ready to do what I could to continue to reach my goals. So I took that first step: I registered for school, and began taking classes. I was excited I had started class. Once I passed one semester then the next it was becoming clear to me that I could do it. What once seemed so difficult before didn’t seem as difficult now. Learning to live with kidney disease can be stressful, and add a lot of pressure on you at times. One may have to make some adjustments, and put in a little extra effort, but with a positive attitude, seeking resources, and the support of others you can make things happen. The reward will be worth it. Although some days are better than others, understanding what you are going through can help get you through it. With my desire and ambition I feel there is nothing that can stand in my way. Dealing with renal failure and going back to school has made me a stronger person. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, and want to continue to achieve even more. The progress I have made in my pursuit of going back to school, and working is what helps keep me motivated. I am looking forward to continue working toward maintaining my independence and becoming self-sufficient.

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Thomas received a gym membership from the foundation.

The effects of kidney disease and my life kidney disease affects your life in many different ways, but how you deal with it makes all the difference. Before starting dialysis and experiencing the symptoms of kidney disease, going back to school and beginning on my career path were my goals. Little did I know at the time that this life changing event would be my main source of motivation. Preparing myself to go back to school seemed difficult at the time. When I was diagnosed with kidney disease at 27 I was devastated, and unsure of how to cope with this disease? I didn’t have a clue on what kidney disease or dialysis was all about. I figured I surely wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything now. I felt alone, depressed and irritable. Everything seemed to be happening so fast I didn’t have time to think, or make any decisions. And before I knew it I was on dialysis. I was in denial and couldn’t believe what was going on with me. Why was this happening to me? All I knew was that I was going through something; I felt I had no control of, and my life had changed. I would be limited from the things I had done before. After coming home from the hospital, it was challenging getting back into my normal routine and getting my body adjusted to the treatments. After treatments my body would be so drained, I couldn’t do anything, but go right to sleep when I got home. Instead of caring for my little ones I had to have someone care for me. My appetite was up and down, and I was on a strict renal diet. Along with the many medications there were also many side affects to deal with. What disturbed me the most was not being independent, not having the energy, or time to do things I used to do. I began researching, going to meetings, and gathering information about kidney disease to understand it more and find ways to better control my health. I began to seek hope, share my feelings, and become determined to no longer let this ailment control me. I was ready to do what I could to continue to reach my goals. So I took that first step: I registered for school, and began taking classes. I was excited I had started class. Once I passed one semester then the next it was becoming clear to me that I could do it. What once seemed so difficult before didn’t seem as difficult now. Learning to live with kidney disease can be stressful, and add a lot of pressure on you at times. One may have to make some adjustments, and put in a little extra effort, but with a positive attitude, seeking resources, and the support of others you can make things happen. The reward will be worth it. Although some days are better than others, understanding what you are going through can help get you through it. With my desire and ambition I feel there is nothing that can stand in my way. Dealing with renal failure and going back to school has made me a stronger person. I am proud of what I have accomplished so far, and want to continue to achieve even more. The progress I have made in my pursuit of going back to school, and working is what helps keep me motivated. I am looking forward to continue working toward maintaining my independence and becoming self-sufficient.