IMPORTANT:

The following is a personal account of my own experience with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). I am sharing my story to inspire hope and proactive engagement, but this is NOT medical advice.
The choices I describe were personal decisions. You MUST NOT self-treat or change your healthcare plan based on this article. Always consult with a qualified physician or nephrologist for any health concerns. Relying on this information is solely at your own risk.

My Message to You: Hope, Proactivity, and Patience

I share my story not as a prescription, but as proof that proactive engagement matters.

There is Hope: Lab values can improve. Don’t succumb to despair.

Foundations First: Never underestimate the power of hydration, a whole-foods diet, and reducing sodium.

Your Doctor is Your Partner: Your journey must be guided by a medical professional.

This Is To Be Continued…

I am committed to this path. I am continuing my new routine and will be monitoring my progress closely.

This is just one chapter in my ongoing health journey. I will be back with another update and my latest lab reports in a future article. The story is still being written, so please wait for the next update.

My CKD Journey

This page is something I never imagined needing to write, but it’s written with honesty, hope, and my faith in my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ!

My name is K. Anthony. I’m a dad of two incredible sons: Michael and Anthony, who are grown and living their own lives in my home. I’m was a CIS Instructor and worked at NASA, DOD and several technical corporations in cyber security and in IT management, and a life that has shaped my heart and taught me the power of patience, compassion, and perseverance.

Over the past several decades, I’ve been living with Chronic Kidney Disease CKD). Despite doing everything within my control — medication, significant diet and lifestyle changes, careful medical monitoring, and prayer, my kidney function has continued to decline. I am now in Stage 5 CKD, functioning at approximately 15%.

I am not on dialysis yet, but I am preparing to begin peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home soon. While dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, it is not a cure. A kidney transplant is the best long-term option for both survival and quality of life.

Finding a Kidney Donor

This is not an easy task! The VA has dragged their feet for over 2 years, and even dropped the ball and my doctor had to restart the transplant approval process to the DEATH BOARD, who decides if you get a kidney and lives or stays on dialysis and dies in a few years. I had a sister who could have been a donor when she died, but due to VA;s slow process I lost the chance at a kidney from a relative, just because I was not on the transplant list!

A living donor kidney often:

  • Works better and lasts longer
  • Can be transplanted sooner
  • Offers better outcomes and recovery
  • May allow a transplant before or with less time on dialysis

Receiving a transplant before starting dialysis or early in dialysis
is associated with better overall health outcomes, fewer complications,
and improved long-term success. Even if dialysis has begun, a living
donor transplant can still significantly improve life expectancy and
quality of life.

What It Means to Be a Living Kidney Donor

Many people don’t realize that a person can live a full, healthy life with just one kidney.

For donors:

  • Extensive medical testing ensures donor safety
  • Surgery is planned and monitored by experienced transplant teams
  • Most donors return to normal activities within weeks
  • Long-term studies show donors live healthy, active lives
  • Medical costs related to donation are typically covered by the recipient’s insurance

Donating a kidney is a deeply personal decision — and it is always voluntary. Even choosing to learn more or share this story can help save a life.

Looking Ahead

I plan to continue sharing my journey not just for myself but to help others understand what it’s like to live with CKD. I hope that this page can bring awareness, encouragement, and clarity to those walking a similar road.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your willingness to help carry this story forward.

$0.00
donated & counting

IF YOU WANT TO HELP & MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

We are trying to help Anthony with expenses and to assist with the loss of income he made, but now due to his Chronic Kidney Disease - Stage 5 End of Life and as he starts his dialysis. waiting to find a kidney donor.