I was diagnosed with PKD at age 30; the fourth generation in my family. My father and grandmother were on dialysis for many years. My great grandmother had PKD, and without access to dialysis, passed away at age 43. I was the same age when I had kidney failure and needed to begin dialysis. Dialysis can be very difficult, but I tried reminding myself that it was the treatment keeping me alive.
I received a kidney transplant in 2018. At the time of my transplant, I was on peritoneal dialysis five nights a week for 8-10 hours. I received a kidney from a deceased donor. The decision to be an organ donor is truly an act of love. Organ donors are heroes. I’m a mom and a wife and determined to never let PKD defeat me. I received the gift of life six years ago and this year [2024] I’m competing ballroom dancing at the Transplant Games of America. I’m competing in honor of my donor, donor family, and in memory of my family with PKD before me.
There is no cure for PKD. Transplant is a lifesaving treatment but not a cure. It is my hope to bring awareness of the miracle of organ donation and my hope is ultimately for a cure for PKD someday.