My reasons for participating in and fundraising for the Kidney Walk are deeply personal. Not only am I a dialysis patient – I am also a dialysis nurse.
I’ve seen firsthand how kidney disease can affect a family. My brother Eric and I both have Alport Syndrome, which primarily affects the kidneys. Eric was on dialysis for 21 years, had a successful transplant for 9 years, but sadly passed away in 2023. I was able to keep my disease in control until I was 40 years old, at which point, my kidney function started declining rapidly, no matter what I did. Almost two years ago, at the age of 45, I started peritoneal dialysis.
My experience with my brother inspired to pursue a career in nursing. I have been a hemodialysis nurse for 25 years, treating patients with the same diagnosis as me. Having this lived experience and being able to use it in my nursing practice has been extremely valuable for my patients and for myself. Sharing my story with patients is very rewarding. Suddenly they’re talking to someone who doesn’t just understand from a textbook or years in the field, they are talking to someone who truly gets it. I understand the disease from both sides of the machine.
I have been participating in the Kidney Walk for several years but two years ago I became a team captain and had 25 family and friends walk with me last year. We were able to raise $7,000, an accomplishment I am truly proud of, and grateful for! I love seeing my patients at our local walk but also seeing former dialysis patients post-transplant living so well is a beautiful thing!
As both a dialysis nurse and a dialysis patient, I’ve seen firsthand that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis of kidney disease. It looks different, but it can still be full of purpose, meaningful relationships and dreams worth chasing. My experience has fueled a passion for advocacy and breaking down the stigma surrounding chronic illness. I fundraise for research, patient support, education and advocacy that can improve lives and bring us closer to better treatments. And I walk in memory of my brother Eric.
