Why I Walk

The sky was a serene shade of blue as I stood on the porch, gazing at the horizon. March 10, 2021—a day that had taken on profound significance for our family. For us, this day my daughter Angela, who had been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Angela, at just twenty-six, had always been a beacon of light in our lives. Her laughter is infectious, her compassion boundless, and her spirit unbreakable. Yet, the past three years had brought unimaginable challenges. Diagnosed with ESRD, Angela’s life had been dominated by dialysis treatments, hospital visits, and a relentless battle against an invisible enemy. Her resilience in the face of such adversity was nothing short of remarkable, but as a mother, watching her struggle was heart-wrenching.

Each day, Angela’s strength is tested. Dialysis sessions, which often leave her exhausted and drained, become a regular part of her routine. The dietary restrictions, the constant monitoring of her health, and the unspoken fears about her future weighed heavily on her and on us. Yet, despite everything, Angela never lost her hope. She is faced each day with a bravery that inspired everyone around her, and it is this same bravery that fueled our decision to participate in the National Kidney Walk.

This walk, is on September 29th 2024, is not just a chance to raise awareness about kidney disease and funds for research; it was a symbol of our support for Angela and all those affected by similar struggles. Our goal was to honor her fight and contribute to the cause that could one day change the course of countless lives.

We want to walk for Angela to show her that she is not alone in her battle. Each step we take would be a step in solidarity with her journey, a testament to the strength she demonstrated every single day. We want to join the thousands of others walking for the same cause, to share our stories, and to unite in a shared hope for a future where kidney disease could be managed more effectively, or even cured.

The National Kidney Walk is an opportunity to turn our concern into action, our fear into hope. It will be a day to bring together a community of people who understood the weight of this illness and who were willing to take tangible steps to make a difference. As we prepared for the walk, every moment spent training, every dollar raised, and every cheer shared was a reflection of our love for Angela and our commitment to finding a cure.

As the date draws closer, Angela’s excitement is palpable. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and her smile, though tired at times, never wavered. We know that this walk is more than just a physical journey; it was a symbol of our unwavering support and a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against kidney disease.

On September 29, 2024, as we take these first steps of the National Kidney Walk, we carry with us not just the weight of our own hopes but also the collective aspirations of everyone fighting similar battles. Each step will be a tribute to Angela’s strength, a testament to our love, and a stride towards a future where kidney disease no longer looms as a shadow over lives.

Together, we walk for Angela, for every person battling ESRD, and for a future filled with promise and possibility. And with each step, we hope that our collective efforts would bring us closer to a day when kidney disease would be nothing more than a chapter in history, and not a burden carried by so many.