Stephen Adams, 45, from Scotland, discovered he had Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) seven years ago, following a routine examination. Despite leading a seemingly normal life, the progression of PKD led to a sudden need for a kidney transplant, prompting a whirlwind of medical procedures and emotional challenges. Through the generosity of a friend’s donation, Stephen underwent a successful transplant in November 2023, marking the beginning of a new life chapter. I am Stephen Adams, 45, from Glasgow, Scotland. Seven years ago, during a routine examination after moving house and changing GP ..read more

Kousalya Govindraj, from India, reflects on her journey of resilience and adaptation in the face of medical challenges. Losing her kidney transplant after over two decades due to tuberculosis complications, she shares her experiences of undergoing various health procedures, including dialysis, with unwavering determination. Despite setbacks, Kousalya emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, seeking support when needed, and cherishing life’s moments. With hope for medical advancements such as artificial kidneys, she encourages fellow warriors to embrace life’s challenges, ce ..read more

Dr. Edison Souza, from Brazil, shares the heartwarming tale of Maria, a kidney transplant recipient. Maria’s journey from despair to joy, marked by the reunion with her pet dog and the selfless sacrifice for her son’s transplant, underscores the profound impact of accurate information and resilience in the realm of organ transplantation. For over three decades, I have devoted my career as a nephrologist at Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto in Rio de Janeiro to caring for kidney patients. This includes those attending outpatient clinics, undergoing dialysis, and those fortunate enough to re ..read more

Ken Ngwira, 13, from Malawi, underwent a profound transformation when kidney failure disrupted his once-healthy childhood in 2021. Enduring dialysis treatments for nearly 10 hours a week, Ken’s education was sacrificed, leaving him with monumental health challenges compounded by financial strain and limited resources. His story sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change in healthcare access, financial support, and treatment availability, not just for Ken but for countless other young patients battling kidney disease in Malawi and beyond. The story of Ken Ngwira was written by Samuel&n ..read more

Christina Gilchrist, from the US, shares a poignant account of navigating the complexities of kidney disease, the triumphs of successful transplants, and the challenges of rejection. Faced with skepticism and imposed limitations, Christina’s journey unfolds through various dialysis methods, culminating in the resilience found in home hemodialysis. Supported by a dedicated healthcare team and her unwavering spouse Michael, Christina advocates for patient-centric care, challenging norms and inspiring a shift towards innovative healthcare practices. My journey spans over two decades, marked ..read more

Samuel Kumwanje, 48, from Malawi, embarked on an unforeseen journey when diagnosed with kidney failure at 28 years old. Initially misdiagnosed and treated for malaria, his resilience and determination became the driving force throughout a 19-year dialysis saga. Facing challenges, from unhealed fractures that restricted his mobility to a wheelchair to losing his job, Samuel’s life took an unexpected turn. Unyielding, he and some friends, founded the Kidney Foundation-Malawi, advocating for change and achieving milestones in kidney care. I was born on January 1, 1976, as the youngest son i ..read more

Benjamin Stokes, 34, from Maidenhead, South East England, recounts his compelling journey through IgA Nephropathy, a diagnosis he received at the age of 22, leading to End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), and ultimately to a life-changing kidney transplant. In this poignant narrative, he shares the hurdles of accessing care, the impact of gaps in early diagnosis, and the role of family support. Reflecting on the national healthcare system, treatment costs, and his role as a Kidney Research UK Community Ambassador, Benjamin provides recommendations for policymakers to elevate awareness and sup ..read more

Pandian, 52, from India, shares his journey with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arising from diabetes and high blood pressure. This personal narrative highlights the financial challenges and limited awareness surrounding CKD. He champions the transformative role of social media in raising CKD awareness, and emphasizes the need for proactive initiatives like counselling to prepare individuals for the CKD journey. Hello, my name is Pandian, a 52-year-old man living in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India, sharing my journey of the past three years as a recipient of haemodialysis treatment due to CKD. It all ..read more

Rev. Canon Victor A. I. Ezeibe, from Nigeria, explores the challenges in accessing essential medications as a kidney transplant recipient. The blog unravels the intricate process of obtaining drugs from abroad, while shedding light on the inherent risks, including lost shipments. The blog emphasizes the pivotal role of uninterrupted medication access for kidney patients, urging the need to navigate and break down financial barriers and access challenges prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The greatest challenge being faced by any kidney transplanted person is accessing routine medic ..read more

Lucy Major, 25, from the UK, recounts how she unexpectedly discovered that her back and abdomen pain – initially attributed to menstrual-related issues or dehydration – were due to acute kidney injury. Through her story, Lucy hopes to raise awareness on kidney diseases and how these can also affect young populations, and advocates for better mental support for all patients facing a sudden diagnosis of a life-changing illness.   Hi, my name is Lucy and I am 25 years old. I am a Speech and Language Therapist and I live on the South Coast of England. I have been a practicing Speech and ..read more