Fred's Story
In his early fifties - just 14 years ago - Dad (Fred) was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). At that time he began seeing a nephrologist and was informed that he had 49% kidney function. Within the next 5 years he became symptomatic, experiencing fatigue, feeling cold and extreme itchiness in his lower extremities. He continues to see a nephrologist every 3 months with monthly blood work and the discussion regarding kidney transplant vs. dialysis came to fruition in 2014. Information was provided on living donors and due to eligibility criteria 4 out of 5 daughters were eliminated, leaving our eldest sister, Cindi, as the only option. In 2015, Dad and Cindi began testing, including genetic testing, and were a match! Dad reached his lowest point with just 8% kidney function just prior to his surgery, but received his life saving kidney transplant on October 18, 2017! The effects of having a healthy kidney began within 24 hours of surgery, with his numbers climbing rapidly and his symptoms subsiding. To no ones surprise, Dad was discharged home and returned to work as soon as he was given the green light by his physicians!
This is a happy ending for our family, but what we need to remember is that it does not always end this way. At this time PKD is incurable, it is only manageable, but with ongoing research there is hope that one day there could be a cure. Through your donation, you will be supporting the Kidney Foundation of Canada with research, donation initiatives, and disease prevention.
We will take on a 100km walk over 3 days to show our support for kidney disease and our Dad, we ask that you click here to donate to show your support.
This is a happy ending for our family, but what we need to remember is that it does not always end this way. At this time PKD is incurable, it is only manageable, but with ongoing research there is hope that one day there could be a cure. Through your donation, you will be supporting the Kidney Foundation of Canada with research, donation initiatives, and disease prevention.
We will take on a 100km walk over 3 days to show our support for kidney disease and our Dad, we ask that you click here to donate to show your support.