A second chance at life
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/09/2021 (627 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Mark Twain said: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
At 20 years old, Marlene Prosser was given a new lease on life. After spending months on dialysis, Marlene’s dad donated his kidney to her.
“My kidneys were failing, and I did not want to be dependent on a machine for the rest of my life. My dad’s kidney kept me alive.”
Kidney disease increasingly took its toll on the entire family, especially her dad. He had difficulty expressing his feelings and usually kept them inside. But sometimes, when he called Marlene at the hospital, she could tell that he was crying.
Before the transplant Marlene was always tired and had no energy. She was going to college at the time and eventually dropped out because it was just too exhausting, and she was falling behind. She eventually went back to school, became a medical secretary/transcriptionist, and worked full time. Marlene is married and has two children; her son Grant is 26 and Amanda is 24. “They are my
miracle transplant babies,” Marlene reminisces with a smile.
A new kidney allowed Marlene to live a normal life away from hospitals and not be tied down to dialysis. However, kidney disease will always be a part of her everyday life. “I’ve had some big side effects from the prednisone, and it reminds me to always keep positive because I’ve overcome so much.”
It’s been 37 years and counting since her transplant. Over the years, Marlene has been part of a peer support program which allowed her to help patients going through the kidney disease journey. She also continues to stay active and involved with the Kidney Foundation by participating in the Kidney Walk. She has raised over $1,000 annually to become a Kidney Walk Champion the last three years in a row! The Kidney Foundation has always been there to support her and others on their journey with kidney disease and this is one way of giving back.
The 2021 Kidney Walk is a virtual event that allows individuals to participate and be active all summer long (walking, running, riding, etc.) and explore their surroundings (parks, trails, etc.) at their own pace.
Anyone can participate as an individual or part of a team from anywhere in Manitoba until Sept. 26.
All the monies raised support individuals affected by kidney disease throughout the province. Manitoba has the highest rate of kidney disease in Canada (one in 10) and there is no cure. Register and fundraise today by visiting www.kidneywalk.ca. Ask friends, family and co-workers to donate. Challenge yourself and stay motivated by setting a personal goal. The next Kidney Walk Champion could be you!.
Kidney Foundation
The Kidney Foundation develops programs, services, research opportunities and awareness campaigns that have had a positive impact on the millions of Canadians living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease. Its national research program is one of the most important sources of funding for scientists conducting kidney-related research. We are also committed to providing education, information and support about kidneys and kidney disease.