NKF Serving Greater New York

 I found out about my kidney failure just after I turned 21, going into my senior year of nursing school. It was truly a huge shock for me. I lived with IGA Nephropathy my whole life but never expected to be affected by CKD so young. My view of the future became blurred and I didn’t know what to make of that diagnosis. But on May 10th, 2023 an amazing human came along and he donated his kidney to me. I am forever grateful for this life he’s given me - 23 years old and able to start truly living again.

There are SO MANY people who are destined to spend their lives tethered to a dialysis machine because their own kidneys have failed. One kidney is enough for many people to live completely healthy lives doing anything they can imagine and the gift gives the donor more than they can possibly imagine too. Living donor kidneys are the best choice for recipients. Another kidney donor had the best analogy, he said, 'I had two life jackets and I saw someone drowning so I gave them my extra.

Throughout my journey, my biggest challenge was developing serious health issues. Another challenge was being on dialysis again for the third time. It was mentally and physically draining on my mind and body. I spoke to my church family and pastoral team for support. Even though things are tough, never give up. There were moments that I got knocked down so many times, but I picked myself back up and kept on fighting. Staying motivated helped me to break so many barriers!

Servings: 1 Taco Per Serving
Prep Time: 45 mins / Cook Time: 20 mins

Degree of Difficulty: Medium
Meal: Lunch, Dinner, Main Course
 

Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup pineapple, chopped
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp red onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Shrimp Tacos:

• ¼ cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1½ tbsp Southwest Chipotle Mrs. Dash
• 1½ pound shrimp (approximately 32 medium-sized shrimp), cooked, no tails, peeled, deveined, thawed (if frozen)
• 4 corn tortillas, taco size
• 2 cups cabbage, shredded

Servings: ¼ recipe per serving
Prep Time: 30 mins / Cook Time: 30 mins

Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Ingredients:

• 2 cups romaine lettuce
• 1 cup watercress
• ½ small tomato, diced
• 2 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 ounces roasted turkey, sliced
• ¼ cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1 egg, boiled, peeled, chopped

Servings: 1 Chicken Breast Half per Serving
Prep Time: 30 mins / Cook Time: 10 mins

Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sherry
• 4, 4–oz skinned, boned chicken breast halves
• Vegetable cooking spray