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A Renal Support Network essay contestant made a shocking suggestion, "Silver linings: The experience of Chronic Kidney Disease has been a blessing in disguise." Joy Araujo (18 year Chronic Kidney Disease patient) was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease at a young age and said that if she could, she would tell her then 10-year-old self that, “This is about to be the hardest, most fantastic ride of your life!” The following outlines why the Dialysis veteran (she received a Kidney Transplant that lasted 8-years) came to this rather uncommon conclusion. We want to know your thoughts, and given your experience with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis, whether or not you agree.
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Joy refers to herself as a "Kidney Disease Warrior" and shares a powerful testimony of struggles with anger, bitterness, and doubt through Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, and Kidney Transplantation to which most patients can relate. However, it is her bright outlook for the following reasons that will likely capture the attention of those with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis, and may surprise many patients:
1.) Joy noted that she has found herself asking a common question among Dialysis patients, “Why did this Kidney Disease happen to me?” Her response to the question, "I almost find humor in that statement now. Why not me?" Ms. Araujo noted that Chronic Kidney Disease has provided tools to make her more grateful and happier.
2.) On days when she feels that, “I can’t go on living on Dialysis!,” Joy finds the strength within herself to combat negative thoughts with a heaping dose of, “It is an honor and privilege to have a machine that can keep me alive in the midst of this disease!” Hence, she is grateful for every day that she is alive.
3.) Joy mentioned that she has learned to become more patient as she awaits her second Kidney Transplant. She wrote, "There is no use fighting the waters: To swim, you have to go with the flow, and I know this from dealing with Kidney Disease."
4.) "I know that life is a precious gift that has almost been taken from me more than once," said Joy. Realizing that she must cherish each breath like it could be her last, the astute (accurately assess situations) 28-year-old added, "I’m glad to know these truths that many people my age may not get to learn until they are much older."
5.) Chronic Kidney Disease has also brought the young Dialysis patient many great experiences and people. She highlighted a "chaplain that helped me find myself and peace," as well as doctors that inspired her to attend college, and other children at her hospital that inspired her to keep moving forward - among others. Joy stated, "This ride has been a blessing!"
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At only 28-years-old Joy has certainly met many challenges in her young life. While her story is an inspiration, do you agree with her sentiment that Chronic Kidney Disease is a blessing in disguise, which she calls a "silver lining?" Share your response with the over 49,000 KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page Friends (click here). Also, follow the over 120,000 monthly individual viewers and visit KidneyBuzz.com every day for the latest breaking news and information which teaches those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure how to better manage and improve their lives.
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