I became ill in 2004 and have been fighting ever since trying to loose weight to be able to walk at least two blocks or more before having to stop because my legs are not strong enough. I am hoping that a treadmill will help me increase my energy level and strength. And also help me be able to reach my goal of opening my own restaurant.

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Cecil shared with us a few of her goals which are:

1. To stay away from the hospital
2. To be as healthy as I possibly can
3. To be as fit and active with well toned muscles
4. To live and enjoy every minute of my life today because tomorrow is never promised
5. To bring cheer and joy to those who cross my path
6. To live a holy and spirit filled life
   

Joseph shared with us that his goals are to get and look healthier and to get in better shape. He would also like to be able to breathe better while walking.

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My journey toward kidney failure began in 1997, when after striking a dog, which I did not see I had an eye examination.  The exam revealed that I had diabetes.  Given the damage to my eyes and the rest of my body, it was determined that the diabetes had been long standing, at least 17 years or more.  After numerous laser treatments my condition resulted into a detached retina and other eye problems. The journey continued down hill with three life threatening illnesses.  Additionally I developed an ulcerated foot which required bone removal and five skin grafts. Almost a year of physical inactivity exacerbated weight gain and poor muscle tone. Eventually kidney failure necessitated dialysis to keep me alive. An exercise program will assure optimum fitness as I await kidney transplant. 

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My name is Joseph I am a 63 year old manand have been a kidney patient for twelve years.  I am a retired fire fighter and the father of four grown daughters, fourteen grand children and three great grand children.  I am a member of the United Baptists Church where I am a member of two ministries. I am a widower, my wife and I have been married for thirty-seven years before she died of cancer.  I live alone now but I am not lonely.  I am an out going person. I was pleased to meet and talk with Shad Ireland at my unit in August when he gave his business card. You would think all great people are ten feet tall.

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When I was asked to sit down and write my story, I thought my story has been rather short and boring.  What am I going to write about?  Then I thought well maybe someone will read my story and think, you know I feel that way or wow it really helps to know that someone else feels that way.  So I hope that putting my story into words makes someone feel like they aren’t alone, that you can get through it, you just have to figure out how is best for you. 

My diagnosis came rather quickly from what I have learned about ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease).  I became hypertensive due in part to a prescribed medication and the hypertension led to the kidney failure all in less than six months.  That’s really the short story.  In retrospect, my life changed dramatically. I have had to learn to eat differently, not drink as much liquid, since I am retaining all of the fluid I take in, and take more pills than anyone should have to take, especially at my age.  I am 28 years old.  I guess that’s the most difficult part for my friends and family to handle.  They say, “You’re so young, I can’t believe this happened to you!”  But I can’t look at it that way.  I have to be positive, there’s no other alternative for me.  I can’t just lie around feeling sorry for myself, that’s just not me.  Don’t get me wrong, I have bad days when I’m sad and worse days when I cry but I remember that this does not define me.  It is something that happened to me and not something that I can control so instead I stay focused on other aspects of my life.  I started back to work after not working for 3 months, which was an absolute blessing!  Before I got sick I used to have a bad attitude about work.  Now, I’m glad to be able to work and be independent. 

Dialysis, while it is a huge inconvenience it’s something that helps a great deal.  Before I went on dialysis, I was so weak I could hardly walk and so tired that I slept for much of the day.  Because of dialysis, I can do more things like work; go out at night, and exercise.  I also use alternative medicine, like acupuncture, to supplement the dialysis.  Acupuncture has helped me with my energy level too.  I’d like to be able to say that the ability to deal with it comes naturally, but I would be lying.  You really have to convince yourself that you can maintain and live.  A good support team is also important.  You need other people to help you.  It took me a while to understand that point.  I have always been very independent so when I got sick, I thought I could take care of myself, I was wrong.  I quickly figured out that without the love and help from my family and friends, it wasn’t going to work.  I am forever grateful for the help and support that they have given me throughout this period.  It takes time but with a good support system and a strong will, you can learn to cope with most anything that comes along.

My dialysis career began on Oct 13th, 1998.  The beginning was not easy as most people know.  It was a time of much adjustment.  As time went on and I accepted what the doctor just told me, things got better.  It took about 5 years for me to get “my numbers” right.  Last year was a difficult year as I underwent open heart surgery.  I had no symptoms telling me that I needed it.  I needed a hernia operation and my surgeon sent me to my cardiologist to get permission.  It was then, on July 4th, that I found out about my heart condition.  After the surgery I was on my feet in 2 days without assistance.  Overall, everyone was surprised with my speedy recovery. 

Now that I am feeling better I would like to get back into shape.  I fell into a life of non-activity.  I would also like to quit smoking and use exercise to help me get through it.  My doctor has approved for me to start on a gradual exercise program and has signed off on my desired equipment wish.  Please let me know if your foundation is able to help me with my goal.

Thanks so much,