March is National Kidney Month. Help spread the word about kidney disease this month by sharing your personal story along with educational resources with your friends, family, and community. Kidney disease is a silent killer—let’s end the silence.
In this article, AAKP Ambassadors share why they are more than their kidney disease. Read their responses and take a few moments to reflect.
“I am more than my kidney disease…”
Susie Dantzig, AAKP Ambassador, California
As a caregiver to my fiancé who has kidney disease, I refuse to let it slow us down. It might not be easy, but we do it. It might not be easy to bike up a mountain, but he is grateful for the view at the top. It might not be easy to know all the ingredients at a restaurant, but he appreciates the comfort of a nice meal. It might not be easy to prepare medicine for a trip, but the ability to travel freely is one that we will never, ever take for granted again. Just as I do with my fiancé, I advocate to ensure all of our loved ones can accomplish everything they want to despite kidney disease, because none of us are defined by our disease but by our perseverance in the face of it. Being a caregiver means acquiring a resume of titles I never thought I’d have – therapist, cheerleader, travel agent, insurance specialist, medical student, and teacher. But no matter what capacity I am providing at any moment, I am more than a caregiver to someone with kidney disease. I am an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a chest to hug, and a heart to give all of my love and support to the entire kidney community.
Chef Oliver Hale, AAKP Ambassador, Michigan
As a two-time kidney transplant recipient celebrating 40 years of resilience, I’ve spent decades spreading hope and empowering others. From cooking and serving at homeless shelters to educating dialysis patients nationwide on renal-friendly meals, and advocating for organ donations, my journey has been marked by purpose and passion. This dedication earned me the 2024 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Services, a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and giving back.
Elizabeth Oldham, AAKP Ambassador, Ohio
“I am more than my kidney disease. When I was diagnosed with
chronic kidney disease in 2018, my initial reactions were denial and anger. I decided to become educated about chronic kidney disease, improve my health, and slow disease progression. I read everything I could find about kidney disease, joined the kidney community, and became a kidney advocate for education, prevention, and early detection of kidney disease. Suddenly, my heart opened, and I was consumed with the desire to help as many people as I could. I wanted to bring awareness about kidney disease. I wanted people to know how a poor diet and lack of exercise can affect kidney function. I wanted to provide patient education about heart disease and diabetes. By reaching out to help other people prevent kidney disease, I became happy, and my focus was no longer on my chronic disease. I changed my world by becoming an active kidney advocate.”
Shameka Ausborn, AAKP Ambassador, Florida
I define myself as a helper, a parent, a traveler, and a speaker. Even though I have kidney disease, it is only one part of who I am. I work as a patient advocate with NxStage Medical and serve on its Patient Advisory Board. I have also been honored with the 2022 AAKP Bronze Medal Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Lastly, I am proud to be a TransplantLyfe Champion with Lyfebulb and a NKF Kidney Coach.
When I am not working, I spend time with my children and cheer on my daughter’s team as a cheer mom. I enjoy traveling and visiting new places. I also share my story by speaking at events both online and in-person. These parts of my life show that I am much more than my kidney disease. I am strong, caring, and full of energy. I define myself by all the love I give and all the ways I help others every day.
Alex Berrios, AAKP Ambassador, Kentucky
So, I was asked to answer this and my first thought is: yes, I am more than this disease! I have a passion to bring a voice to those who don’t feel heard. I have a desire to inspire and offer hope for patients of all walks of life. I have been blessed to share my story through a variety of different avenues over the years, from research institutes to patient advisory groups to different patient led groups such as AAKP, AKF, NKF and the IgAn Foundation of America. I have spoken on several podcasts, discussing topics ranging from elevated phosphorus as a patient to doing an interview about the potential of Xenotransplantation. With all these amazing blessings, at the end of the day I have a beautiful family, and I will strive to thrive and live my best life with chronic kidney disease.
Coach Della Major, aka “Game Changer”, AAKP Ambassador, Illinois
I am more than my kidney disease, for I am a “Game Changer”, a woman of resilience, purpose, and impact. No matter the challenges I face, I stand firm in my faith, believing that I can and will overcome. Dialysis may be part of my journey, but it does not define me. I am here to fulfill my purpose, walk in my destiny, and inspire others to do the same.
My motto is “A Change Brings a Change,” and I live it daily. Through advocacy, education, and motivation, I empower individuals who are facing life-altering setbacks especially those battling end-stage renal failure to build resilience, amplify their voice, and maximize their God-given potential. I do this through my business Reclaim and LYVE LLC, where I serve as the CEO and Lead life coach and Kidney Health Coach.
My advocacy has been recognized on platforms such as WBBM 2 News, ABC 7 News, and NKFI’s “The Journey” podcast. As an inspirational speaker and author, I encourage others to rise, rebuild, and thrive. My book, From Triggered to Transformed and my upcoming release, Discover, Decide, Do, are testaments to the power of faith, resilience, and transformation.
