Te presento a Kiku.
“As a Mentor, my hope is to offer encouragement, understanding, and practical support to others who may need someone who truly gets it.”
My health journey began more than 30 years ago when I was diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, now known as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a form of vasculitis. As a young adult, that condition led to high blood pressure and eventually kidney failure.
On my 30th birthday, I learned I needed to begin dialysis in order to live. I still remember how overwhelming that moment felt. At the time, I didn’t fully understand kidney disease or the treatment options available to me. Thankfully, a wonderful nurse in my nephrologist’s office took the time to explain my options and helped me make a more informed decision about my care. Her kindness stayed with me and taught me how powerful it can be when someone helps you feel less alone.
I spent more than four years on both peritoneal dialysis and in-center hemodialysis while continuing to work and support myself. Later, I received a deceased donor transplant — two pediatric kidneys that together gave me a new chance at life. On October 9, 2026, I will celebrate my 24-year kidney-versary.
Over the years, I have been through many health challenges, but I have learned to keep moving forward with resilience, humor, perspective, and gratitude. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by a diagnosis, to face dialysis, to wait for transplant, and to rebuild life after so many changes.
I’m proud to be part of ReMend because I believe no one should have to navigate kidney disease alone. As a Mentor, my hope is to offer encouragement, understanding, and practical support to others who may need someone who truly gets it.
In many ways, my personal and professional life have come full circle. I now manage marketing and communications for the Balboa Medical Group family of brands, including Balboa Nephrology. It is meaningful to use both my lived experience and my professional work to help educate, support, and uplift the kidney community.
