National Kidney Month - March

I didn't know that this month is National Kidney Month. I felt terrible! Being a transplant recipient, I think I should know it, don't you think! Anyway, it isn't too late; is it? I'd like to celebrate it and show my appreciation by writing about it on my blog. I was diagnosed with a renal disease in 2005. I was on dialysis for eight months and then had been blessed with a kidney from a donor which we never met for they wanted to remain anonymous. I still want to thank them in person someday. If not for the generous donor, I would probably in very bad shape! The Lord knows me well enough to give me a second life to share with my own family...and I am enjoying every minute of my life with gratitude and humility. Three months ago, I have had my first rejection; once again thanks to God who helped the doctor stop the rejection and it did! I will forever be grateful to my doctor, Dr. Lerman, to the donor and most of all to God who gave me life!

March is National Kidney Month, and March 10, 2011 is World Kidney Day. DaVita has teamed with The Kidney TRUST, an organization that aims to benefit the estimated 31 million adults living in the United States who have chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as the 550,000 Americans with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who need dialysis or a kidney transplant, to help raise awareness about kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease develops when kidneys lose their ability to remove waste and maintain fluid and chemical balances in the body. The severity of chronic kidney disease depends on how well the kidneys filter wastes from the blood. It can progress quickly or take many years to develop.

More than 31 million adults in the US - one in six - have chronic kidney disease and most of them are not even aware of it. Often there are no symptoms until kidney disease reaches the later stages, including kidney failure.

I am sharing this article to help people be aware of their health especially to take good care of their kidneys.