Imagine being ten years old and being diagnosed with kidney disease? For Joy, this has been her reality. Chronic Kidney Disease has been challenging throughout life and at times has felt almost impossible. With a great support system and her strong faith, Joy’s focus quickly switched to kidney care. While many may have become disheartened with this diagnosis, Joy quickly turned her focus onto helping others. She has been a long-time volunteer with the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana (NKFI). An advocate for kidney disease awareness and organ donation for over 20 years, being on dialysis for years and then receiving a second kidney transplant, she was welcomed on as NKFI staff in 2021. Joy says, “It is truly my life’s mission to help people, and this is the perfect place for me!” One of her proudest accomplishments has been coordinating a successful 2022 Indianapolis Kidney Walk. Going from being too sick to even hold a job, to being the Development Specialist for the NKFI and coordinating events has been a big win! Feeling healthy, alive, and strong brought her to tears on event day.
Did you know that you can donate a kidney while still alive? You have two kidneys but only need one! The symptoms of kidney disease are often silent, so Testing is Key!
The National Kidney Foundation of Indiana offers amazing programs and services such as, Kidney Camp for children living with kidney disease or are living with Kidney Transplants. Free Statewide Indiana Kidney Check health screenings (remember, testing is key to awareness), “The Big Ask, The Big Give” -a webinar on living kidney donation, financial assistance to dialysis payments, “Kidneys in the Classroom” education programs for school aged children about kidney health and much more.
National Kidney Foundation of Indiana has made a difference in Joy’s life and countless other patients. They are aways looking for volunteers and financial support to achieve their mission.
While Joy’s journey has been challenging at times, she is optimistic about her future. It has been difficult but she’s a strong believer that positive thinking can carry the weight of the burdens and there is a silver lining to every storm cloud. Without Joy’s challenges, she wouldn’t have found such fulfillment and joy in a job that pays it forward to thousands of others who benefit from her positivity and smile. She truly brings “Joy” to everyone that she encounters.
Where will we see Joy in the future? Spearheading future NKFI programming, completing her master’s degree in Strategic Communication at Butler University, and starting a blog about self-love.
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