Nick A.

“Embracing Knowledge as Empowerment”

Nick's lived experience showed him the world does not stop with his diagnosis. You can still have a wonderful, joyous, and very fulfilling life.

Meet Nick, a recently graduated pharmacist who enjoys live music, has a "ridiculous collection of hot sauces," and loves making people laugh. After his younger brother's diagnosis revealed the hereditary nature of their condition, Nick remembers the overwhelming confusion of that time—not even understanding what high blood pressure was, let alone a rare kidney disease. Now, having navigated dialysis, a kidney transplant, and pharmacy school, he's transformed that early bewilderment into purpose. His message to those newly diagnosed reflects his lived experience: "It's not the end of the world. The world does not stop with that diagnosis... You can still have a wonderful, joyous, and very fulfilling life while dealing with this disease. It does not define who you are."

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