In April 2016, I received my mother's first visit in Exeter. The visit was made possible thanks to the Holiday Dialysis plan at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) and the Exeter Kidney Unit. Thanks to this assistance, my mother was able to enjoy several days visiting Exeter while continuing her weekly hemodialysis sessions. Otherwise, this visit would never have been possible.
My mother attended three weekly hemodialysis sessions for about 25 years. These sessions were necessary for her due to her severe kidney failure. During that same period, she underwent four kidney transplants which, unfortunately, were never successful.
With my mother's story, Mary (1960-2020), I want to shed light on the situation faced by many kidney disease patients, particularly those who regularly undergo hemodialysis sessions. Their lives literally depend on regular visits to the hospital for these sessions, during which, for about four hours, depending on each patient, a machine performs the blood cleaning and purification functions that the kidney cannot perform due to the disease.
In addition to these sessions, patients have to cope daily with difficult situations associated with this disease: dietary restrictions, difficulty performing daily activities, limitations on working hours, or mental health problems such as depression.
On May 26, 2024, I will run the Great Western Run in Exeter and raise funds for EDKPA (Exeter & District Kidney Patients' Association). Firstly, as a token of gratitude for the assistance received by my mother during her visit to Exeter. Secondly, to offer my support to patients with kidney failure, as well as patients undergoing haemodialysis and CAPD (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis).
I have chosen EDKPA because they do commendable work helping many patients, not only facilitating their day-to-day tasks but also offering all kinds of support to cope with the disease.
Please, donate generously to support patients and their families. They will be tremendously greatful!
Thanks in advance for your support.