Embracing Home Hemodialysis as a Family

John loved the flexibility of being on home dialysis. He and his family traveled to their beach house, went with Amanda to speed-skating events, and continued with life as usual. John and Linda both still worked full time. John and his doctor worked together to determine a treatment plan that was right for him. He felt good—and treatment became a way of life. When the smaller, portable NxStage home hemodialysis machine became available, traveling and being on the go got even easier. "It was a blessing," he says.

John's daughter, Amanda, grew up around her father's dialysis—watching him get set up for treatment, making sure he was comfortable, and, later, helping whenever she could. It was this positive experience that inspired her to pursue her nursing degree. She started working for Fresenius Kidney Care part-time when she was still in school and, when she graduated, became a full-time nurse at the center. In 2019, Amanda became a Fresenius Kidney Care clinic manager in Charlotte, NC.

In 2006, John was matched with a deceased kidney donor after 4 years on home dialysis. He had a successful kidney transplant and has been doing well ever since. He takes care of himself, enjoys life as a retiree with Linda, and is thrilled to have 3 grandkids. He also couldn't be prouder of Amanda and her career path with Fresenius Kidney Care. "I just think it's super," John declares.

 March 2020