| Transplant

Celebrating National Kidney Month With The Ultimate Gift Of Life

May 19, 2022, 10:18am EDT

When Monica was 27 years old, her health rapidly declined due to kidney failure. She could barely eat or drink without extreme nausea and crashed into emergency dialysis. Since those early days, four years ago, dialysis has become her constant companion, but she considers herself lucky to be able to dialyze at home. Home dialysis can be lifechanging. While at home, patients can decide when, how often, and for how long they dialyze and have more time and energy to go to work and spend time with family. But not everyone is aware that home dialysis is an option – or they lack the support and guidance to manage at-home care.

With you by our side, passionate advocates around the country raise their voice to: 

• Expand access to home dialysis 

• Demand increased funding for public awareness and early detection 

• Identify and eliminate kidney health disparities 

"When I was growing up my mom did whatever she could to make ends meet. And a lot of the foods weren't good for us. As an adult I carried many of those bad habits. That’s why I want to do all I can to help bring awareness about kidney disease to the Black/African American communities and educate others about caring for our bodies and our health.” Monica shared why she uses her voice to support the kidney community.

On March 13th, Monica received a kidney transplant – a special National Kidney Month Gift and the ultimate gift of life. With support like yours, more patients like Monica can be free of dialyzing daily. More patients can receive the gift of a bright, healthy future.

To learn more about kidney donation, visit kidney.org/livingdonation