As I laid in bed on a sunny afternoon in early June of this year, still recovering from what was an unforgettable trip to England and Wales, a piercing thought crept into my head. “What am I going to do?” It was not about what to have for dinner nor which movie I will watch next on Amazon Prime. I had made a promise to myself while I was in the ICU in 2017 when diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Although I had been in the hospitality world since I was 10 years old, I had an epiphany where I knew my purpose in life was greater than myself. My purpose would be to give back. Since May 2017, the number of people who have been there for me are countless. Whether it was to celebrate the victories, no matter how small or more importantly, to be there through the lowest of lows, when I needed support the most. I had to figure out a way to pay it forward.

My name is Pesh Patel and I have created this newsletter to fulfill that purpose. My aim is to raise awareness for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the importance of organ donation, and the benefits to everyone of healthy living. In this weekly newsletter, I will be writing about topics such as diet and nutrition, mental health, and transplantation (not limited to kidneys). I will show how life is not over because you have been diagnosed with an illness and you are not alone in your fight. In addition to writing, I will be sharing various data and resources as well as creating and publishing content on social media. I am grateful for you being with me on this journey.

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