I was diagnosed at 25 years old via biopsy. It confirmed FSGS. I had a 4-year-old at that time. I have an 11- and 4-year-old now. The first symptoms were swelling of my hands, feet, and eyes. Then swelling everywhere. I gained about 30 extra pounds.

My kidneys were beginning to shut down, but the medication stopped it and I still have fully functioning kidneys. Prednisone works wonders for me. I have unfortunately had a few relapses. In 2016, I had 2 relapses, or flare-ups. When I was first diagnosed, I had never heard of any of this, and neither had any family or friends. It’s still hard to explain it to them.

I’ve now learned so much about it, and love to do the walks for NephCure and the National Kidney Foundation. I have hope that one day a cure will be found, or least a better medication will be found. Prednisone has so many bad side effects.

Stay strong and it take day by day. Remission is definitely possible.