My name is Evelyn , I am 35 years old. I was born in Orangeburg, SC and have lived here all my life. I have three children, ages 9, 13, and 14. I am a busy Mom and have been on dialysis for 6 years. My kidney failure was caused by high pressure following the birth of my last child. Recently, I had neurosurgery for a leaking aneurysm and was fortunate to have a successful outcome; I am now awaiting a kidney transplant from the Medical College of Georgia. My goal is weight loss and better fitness prior to my transplant.

Doris is a 55 year old woman who has been on hemodialysis since 2001.  In addition to end stage renal disease, Doris also experiences osteoarthritis of the lower back, hips and knees.  She experiences shortness of breath with even minor exertion and complains of frequent fatigue..

Doris, a mother of  6 children, now has 11 grandchildren.  She is a high school graduate, a former mail room employee, childcare worker and occasional poll worker.   She has had physical therapy in the past and still tries to do daily exercises, but her arthritis limits her severely.  Doris’ doctor suggested water therapy/aerobics, as a means of improving her stamina, without taxing her arthritic joints.

Doris lists many goals she hopes to attain through participation in a water aerobics program:

1. To be able to walk short walks then longer walks
2. To be able to climb at least a flight or two of stairs
3. To be able to do exercises to help improve my conditions
4. To be able to do simple housework and do volunteer or part-time work outside the home.
5. To be able to play games with my grandchildren instead of having to sit on a park bench and watch them play.  I am use to being active and the tightness, swelling and pain depresses me.