INSPIRATIONAL

I had a good talk this morning with one of our clients. She is in her late 70s or early 80s and has been diagnosed with cancer. Despite all her treatments, the numbers now look great. She’s stronger now than she was before her diagnosis. We discussed our infusions and how our bodies feel, and…

II have doubted myself many times, but each time I was wrong. When a situation arises that pushes me to the edge of what I thought were my capabilities, I am amazed at how I am able to rise up and defeat the adversary, sometimes with ease. It’s hard when you’re hit with emotional stress…

Even while fighting cancer, Lynn believed that faith without works is nothing. So I pushed her harder as she kept training others every day, while having max doses of chemotherapy and radiation. This was post having her lymph nodes removed I would repeat the phrase while believing and knowing that; “No weapon formed against me…

Here is an nspiring story! Ruth Ann is a true testament to the idea that it’s never too late to take charge of your health and well-being. Her journey is a reminder that our circumstances—be it age, injuries, or anything else—don’t have to define our potential. It’s It’s amazing to hear how she transitioned from…

One day, I felt sadness over losing my friend, Chief Petty Officer Maurice Tuck. This was unusual because my military job taught me to control my emotions. Death in the military is unavoidable, but the mission must go on. Maurice and I were close. We would go to the gym and train during our off…

Once I spoke at my daughters elementary school. While speaking to the class about my dealings with dialysis and a transplant, one girl (who lived across from her grandparents) asked me a question. “Was your sickness hereditary?” I looked puzzled as to why a 12 year old would ask me this. She continued tearfully “…

Weight loss is not always a good indicator of looking better. Losing weight could mean losing muscle, and even if the scale shows a lower number, this can actually lead to a higher body fat percentage. On the other hand, gaining muscle and properly nourishing your body can lead to significant improvements in your physique….

During my first transplant, I became ill and was admitted to the hospital. The R5 floor was where all transplant and kidney patients stayed. One morning, a nurse entered my room looking concerned. She told me that, due to HIPAA regulations, she couldn’t reveal details about a patient named “John” in room 534, who had…

Today, I had an appointment at the VA Dental Clinic in Portland. After my appointment, I went to the common area where free coffee and snacks were offered. It’s common to see visitors wearing military ball caps to represent their service branches. While I was there, a couple walked in; the wife was using a…

Even while undergoing dialysis, you can still make progress and become stronger than your condition. Jimmy did, and so can you. REFUSE 2B FEEBLE

I’d like to share a story about my friend and fellow transplant recipient, T Armando Bickum. He received a kidney transplant just a month before I did, and our journeys have been intertwined from the start. Before his transplant, he reached out to me seeking guidance on getting into better shape while on dialysis. Many…

A blast from the past. I met this person in Gaeta, Italy. We became good friends until his passing a few years ago. Who is he? CLUE: Simply marvelous!