Living with kidney disease, especially during the later stages, can be challenging, but you are not alone. We hope that these quotes from people who have lived with ki...
| Dialysis | Kidney disease | Patient stories | Transplant
10 Inspiring Quotes for Those Living with Kidney Disease: Part Two
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May 30, 2024, 8:10am EDT
Living with a chronic condition like kidney disease can be challenging–especially if you are balancing doctor appointments, dietary restrictions, and physical symptoms alongside everyday activities.
Hearing from others going through a similar situation may help. Here are ten quotes from people affected by kidney disease to help motivate and inspire you.
For more inspiring quotes, read Part One.
1. Marlon Condoll Jr: Dialysis Recipient
“Once I learned I can survive with kidney failure, I began to feel better. I’m a very compliant patient. I haven't missed any treatments and I follow my dietary and fluid rules." Marlon Condoll Jr. said, “You can continue living on dialysis. I go to night school and make music. It's important to have fun when you have the energy. Go see a sports game or a movie. Hang out with friends and enjoy life.”
Read Marlon Condoll Jr.’s story.
2. Lisa Myers: Three Times Transplant Recipient
"My coworkers couldn't understand how I could go to dialysis and be a nurse every day. Helping people got me through it. Now, I need a professional to fully heal. I started therapy and am working through the trauma by writing a book about my story," said Lisa Myers. "I want others on dialysis to know that they aren't alone. There is hope. Don't give up."
3. Elizabeth Dravis: Minimal Change Disease
"My journey taught me about life and showed me what is most important to me. It's been a wake-up call. I was incredibly sick and my outcome could have been very different had I not gone to the hospital," Elizabeth said. "Your health is imperative. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and ignore the clues our bodies give us that something is wrong. Taking care of yourself, making time for yourself, and listening to your body is really important."
4. Shanaha Brown: Transplant Recipient
"If you can't speak up for yourself in a medical setting, involve your family, friends, or a patient advocate. With their support, I got the help I needed," said Shanaha Brown. “ "For those waiting for a transplant, go to your appointments, take care of yourself, and don’t give up. You can do this."
5. Erica Cohen: NKF Volunteer
"Those with kidney disease aren't patients, they're people. They're people who want to live their lives to the fullest. NKF events give you the chance to surround yourself with the love of others going through similar situations," said Erica Cohen. "Kidney disease isn't a death sentence. You can live a very full life even if you don't have family support and it is there for you. NKF can help."
6. Candria Denzmore: Transplant Recipient and Kidney Failure Care Partner
“We control the illness [kidney disease], it doesn't control us,” said Candria. “My goal is to continue living while I'm here. I tell people to try living as much as possible and do the best to enjoy the life you have.”
7. Lily Repace: Preteen with Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome
“My health journey has helped me become the person I am today,” said Lily Repace. “I encourage other kids with health issues to try to stay positive. Do what you love. Keep going with life and try to enjoy every bit of it."
8. Jada Sasha: Kidney Donor
"If I never got tested to become a donor, my brother might still be on dialysis. If I'd never taken the chance to try out for Squid Game: The Challenge, I wouldn't have fulfilled my life-long dream of being on a reality show." Jada Sasha said, "I didn't win but I did make many long-lasting, forever friends. I got an experience I'll never forget. My advice? Take the chance. Go after what you want. You never know where it'll lead."
9. Christina Gilchrist: Dialysis Recipient
"Through the National Kidney Foundation, I’ve met hundreds of people going through the same thing I am. It's great to lean on people going through that and find somebody who can be your positivity when you're upset and down in the dumps. We all know what it feels like, and we can help each other get through this," Christina Gilchrist said. "My favorite thing to say is, "I don't live to do dialysis. I do dialysis to live."
Read Christina Gilchrist’s story.
10. Dione Bullard: Transplant Recipient
"I started dialysis in 2005 and I've had issues along the way. I've learned how to advocate for myself in my care, treatment, and career. I decided to not lie down and be sick. Life on dialysis doesn't have to be bleak," Dione Bullard said. "I want to inspire people to pursue their dreams. Just because you experience a life-changing diagnosis like kidney failure, doesn't mean you can't live your life with joy and passion."
NKF resources
Are you feeling inspired? Let's use that motivation. Here are five resources designed to help you or your loved one live life to the fullest, even with kidney disease.
- NKF Peers: Connect with trained mentors with kidney disease experience over the phone.
- NKF Online Communities: Anonymously share experiences and ask questions about kidney health and transplantation.
- Kidney Learning Center: Access free educational courses that support people with kidney disease and care partners.
- Kidney Care Study: Shape the future of kidney research. Match with researchers interested in patient-centered outcomes research.
- Voices for Kidney Health: Join NKF's advocacy group fighting for better policies and new treatments.
Share your kidney story
Your story could be the one that gives someone else with kidney disease hope. Share it here.
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