Our Stories

Alyssa’s Story

In 1996, my life started changing. 

I was four-years-old when my mother noticed that I was sleeping in unusual amounts and that something was wrong. My doctor ran some tests and found large quantities of protein in my urine. I was then referred to a kidney specialist in Kalamazoo, MI, but after a kidney biopsy, the results were inconclusive. My mom pushed the problem behind her for a while, until two years later when she was sure something was wrong. I had another kidney biopsy at age six and this time, the results showed that I had FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. I was put on regular medication that was supposed to help me go into remission. I endured all of the nasty side effects and also went on many different forms of medicines from age 6-13, but none of them worked. 

My mom was told to accept the reality of the disease because the doctors said by age 11, I would be facing kidney failure leaving me bed-ridden and unable to do anything. Even though the side effects from the medicines continued, like when my gums were growing over my teeth, I still lived out my life as normal as I could. I joined the cheerleading squad and track team in high school. I even ran a mile in six minutes and 22 seconds, winning first place! 

I am now almost 20 years old and living with my fiancée. I am doing great health-wise, but I will eventually have to receive a kidney transplant (hopefully not anytime soon!). The doctors always told me, “You can’t, you can’t, you can’t,” but I made a promise to myself to always prove them wrong. I went from a girl who was doomed to a girl who can do anything she puts her mind to! I have to thank my family for their years of praying and also to thank God who has had me in His hands ever since I was born.

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