It's National Kidney Month!

Before 2017, I was not aware that there was a National Kidney Month. As I have mentioned before, I did not even know how important our kidneys are until my diagnosis of ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) in May of that year.

National Kidney Month is focused on ways to educate and raise awareness about how many people kidney disease affects. It is not only for the people who are diagnosed. It is the caregivers, friends and family, and the medical professionals whose charge it is to assist in the aid and recovery. I am grateful for all of those who have helped me in the past and those that continue to be a part of my support system today.

Even if you feel “healthy”, I urge you to speak to your doctor about getting a kidney screening today. It is important to take action and be an advocate for your own health.

Up to Something

A few people have asked where this newsletter has been for the past couple of weeks. Well, I’ve been up to something. A few things actually. It is a bit crazy to think that less than a year ago, I was sick enough where I had written out my will and last wishes, and handed it to my parents as I did not think I was going to live past July. Now here I am, not only launching a newsletter which is the foundation for A Kidney Life, but also having been a part of the Kidney Patient Summit on Capitol Hill for the National Kidney Foundation, having had a TV appearance in New Orleans for LOPA (Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency), and having conversations on how to expand my volunteer work for AAKP (American Association of Kidney Patients), and the American Kidney Fund.

But wait, there is more! I have been talked into creating a Tik Tok account (@akidneylife), and have also committed to creating more posts for my other social media channels. The goal is to post at least 5 days a week. As the pillars of A Kidney Life are Education, Awareness, and Advocacy, this will allow me to expand my message and cover more topics, more often.

And as if that is not enough, I have decided to launch a podcast with an amazing co-host…actually, it was her idea. When she asked me if I would be interested in doing a podcast, I did not hesitate. I said YES immediately and I am happy to report that our first episode will launch on March 20th. The name of the podcast is “Talk Kidney To Me” and my co-host’s name is Sara Eve Schaeffer. She is a kidney professional who is also on the Board for AAKP. You will get to know each of us better as well as seeing how each of us approaches various topics in the kidney world and other health and wellness related subjects. And no, this will not be a boring kidney/health podcast like others I have seen in the past. We will inject our personalities and bring authenticity in each episode, while being informative, which I know will resonate with you, our audience. We cannot wait for you to tune in.

By the way, I also crossed one of the bucket list this past Friday night and got on stage during an open mic night at Sunshine City Comedy Club in St. Petersburg, Florida! Very appreciative of the owner Kenny who was kind and hospitable and grateful to all of those in attendance who shared kind words after my set.

This is my way of telling you that if there is something you want to do, the only thing stopping you is you. Yes, I needed a nudge to get up there, (Thank You Sara Eve), but the point is that I did it!

Please remember, I am not a medical professional, nor is any of this medical advice. I am just out here living A Kidney Life.