Dear younger self,
I just want to let you know now that you are stronger than you think. Your life is going to change in a way you didn’t know existed, in a way you will wish had never happened. You are about to go from being a healthy boxer to being diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. From fighting people to fighting for your life. Catch your BREATH!
You will experience pain that hurts harder than any punch you’ve ever taken. The type of pain that makes you feel like you are worthless to fight, especially during dialysis. Here’s my advice for that: “Learn how to protect your sanity while fighting for your life.”
As the “HealthScare” system continues to let you down, you will get more enraged with both yourself and others around you. People will say, “You don’t look sick.” I’m telling you now, those four words will get the best of you. You are fighting a battle that only you can understand. Keep asking questions to find out what’s wrong.
You will lose many friends of 20 years. In any case, the individuals you lose weren’t true friends. One of the few positives of what you will experience is that you will identify your true friends. You will get to observe some people’s warmth and compassion that you otherwise wouldn’t have.
Humanity is amazing. Remember, “Don’t let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world.”
Your compassion and understanding will deepen. You will have a new perspective on life and learn to never pass judgment on others because you are unaware of their circumstances. Share your story; turn a mess into a message and a test into testimony. You might not be the friendliest among your family and friends, but trust me when I say that the difficulties you overcome will make you a better person.
You MUST always remember how strong you are for getting out of bed every day to go to dialysis three times a week, even if you want to cry and wish your life was different.
Never give up on hope. There’s a perfect kidney waiting for you. Try to treat yourself with love. The things that are happening to you are not your fault.
You are a fighter and a warrior. If you can look up, you can get up. You either break down or break through. Let’s go, CHAMP!
LOVE, Your future self
Keyaira S.
Rachel M.
María L.
Stacey B.