Our Stories

Audrey's Story

In 1994, at the vibrant age of 31, out of nowhere my blood pressure suddenly skyrocketed, feelings of extreme fatigue, nausea and frequent urination consumed me.  Within hours I went temporarily blind and had to be immediately hospitalized. 

I thought I was dying.  I was then given a biopsy and later diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). As most people will do after being given such a diagnosis at such a young age, I went through the stages of denial, anger, why me and finally acceptance.

I then felt that the best way to battle this would be to educate myself on the new intruder to my body as well as acquire a good nephrologist.  I accomplished this through internet research and books. I also became active in the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and eventually became a spokesperson.

My focus then became what I could do to slow down the progression of this disease.  So, I cut red meat, pork and salt from my diet. This significantly lowered my blood-pressure level. This was not enough for me. I thought about the role that stress plays on our blood pressure. Due to the nature of my occupation as a Chicago Police Officer and the fact that my midnight shift was not ideal for my body, I knew attempting to maintain a stress-free life would be an arduous to impossible task.

To help combat my stress levels, I began to take yoga and Pilates. It helped tremendously. I continued to work my job in aggressive patrol and in fact led a normal life up until May, 2003, when my kidneys failed, forcing me to endure dialysis treatments until a suitable donor was found.

I was put on the list by UNOS. I chose to do peritoneal dialysis because I felt it was more suited for my busy lifestyle, although it meant me dialyzing seven days a week for 10 hours per night. In spite of this, I was up every morning at 5 am, disconnected myself from the machine, showered, put on my uniform and proceeded to go to work.

I endured dialysis for 10 months and had two heartbreaking false starts with regard to a donor before finally receiving the "Gift of Life" from my God-Son, Roger Reynolds, on March 4, 2005 which also happened to be two days before my 43rd Birthday!

I went home with what I call a new "Power Ranger Kidney" and a new lease on life!! I am now truly honored to be a part of The NephCure Foundation! GOD IS GOOD!