Abdou Simon’s journey began in the vibrant heart of Senegal, which is located in West Africa. West Africa is known for its rich culture and deep sense of community. Abdou had big dreams and a passion for understanding people, which led him to study Sociology at the Université Gaston Berger de SaintLouis in Senegal. But during his college years, everything changed. While studying sociology at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Senegal, he was diagnosed with kidney failure. No members of his family had ever had kidney disease and to this day he does not know how he developed it.
He began hemodialysis treatments and continued for about a year before his doctors recommended switching to peritoneal dialysis (PD). As a student, PD allowed him to dialyze at night while sleeping and attend his classes during the day. Dialysis was difficult for many reasons including muscle cramps, diet and nutrition protocol, and avoiding infection. While living at home, Abdou did not always have electricity due to power outages. He shares that at times he shared a bed with his brother and worried about possible infection. He continued PD for about three years but eventually switched back to hemodialysis due to an infection.
During this time, kidney transplants were not available in Senegal. Abdou Simon and his family started making plans to move him to Europe where he could receive a kidney transplant. His younger sisters moved to Europe ahead of him to make way for him. He eventually moved to France and was able to continue his education while also waiting for a kidney transplant.
In 2010, just 10 months after moving to France and six years after starting dialysis, he received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. And, a year later, he received his master’s in public health from Aix-Marseille University. His kidney disease diagnosis led him into the healthcare field and a deep interest in research on kidney failure. He went on to receive his PhD in 2017 from the University of Toulouse. He then moved to Canada, followed by the United States to pursue postdoctoral research.
Abdou Simon says, “The researcher in me helps me understand the patient in me. And the patient in me helps me develop framework and ideas for my research.” In addition to research, he enjoys working with advocacy groups, to improve the quality of life of kidney patients.
He has had his kidney transplant for almost 15 years (May 31, 2010, is his kidney anniversary). To keep healthy, he tries to limit the risks of getting sick by wearing a mask when needed and has limited travel, especially during COVID. He also follows a kidney-friendly diet and enjoys walking for exercise. In addition, he learns about the medications he is taking to be better informed. He believes that more kidney patients need access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods and is a supporter of AAKP’s National High Potassium Awareness Day (May 1) and National Phosphorus Awareness Day (April 5). “It’s important for patients to have resources to help them understand and have food explained.”
Additional Resources
National High Potassium Awareness Day is on 5.1 - learn more at: AreYouOK.org
National Phosphorus Awareness Day is on 4.5 - learn more at: TheHiddenPinKidneyDisease.org
