Finding Hope and Empowerment with EKDF: Stories Like Sarah’s Journey with CKD

Sarah Jones was living a busy life, balancing work, family, and her passion for marathon running. However, her world changed when a routine blood test revealed she had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, Sarah recalls, “I didn’t understand CKD or what it meant for my life. I felt lost and scared.”

While Sarah didn’t work directly with the Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF), it’s through resources like the ones EKDF provides that people in her situation can find the knowledge and education they need. The EKDF offers comprehensive information on CKD, treatment options, and ways to find hope and support. Many, like Sarah, benefit from connecting with peer groups and accessing valuable educational materials, which help them manage their condition and cope with the challenges of living with CKD.

“The support group was a lifeline,” Sarah says of the group she joined. “Talking to people who understood what I was going through and learning practical tips for managing CKD made a huge difference.” While Sarah’s support network came from other avenues, EKDF provides similar opportunities by connecting patients to peer mentors and resources that encourage them to take control of their health.

In addition to information, EKDF recognizes the emotional toll that CKD can take on individuals. Many patients are able to find support through mental health professionals who specialize in chronic illness—just like Sarah did. “Learning to manage my emotions and develop healthy coping strategies was critical for me,” she shares.

Today, Sarah is thriving, thanks to the education and support she found. She has learned how to manage her CKD effectively, continues to participate in marathons (albeit at a slower pace), and lives an active and fulfilling life. Although she didn’t engage with EKDF directly, her story reflects the empowerment and hope that EKDF strives to offer through its resources. “Having the right knowledge helped me take control of my health and make informed decisions about my care,” she says. “Now, I no longer fear the future.”

Sarah’s journey mirrors that of many individuals impacted by CKD, and the EKDF is dedicated to making sure those like her have access to the information and support they need. By providing vital education, raising awareness, promoting early detection, and advocating for research, EKDF is making a real difference in the fight against CKD.

Together, we can create a future free from chronic kidney disease.

Donate to EKDF today and help us continue to provide knowledge and empowerment to individuals like Sarah, so they can live their healthiest lives.