Living with Kidney Disease in Your 20s

Living with Kidney

Disease in Your 20s Peer Support provides comfort M att is feeling a lot better these days. His health and outlook have improved since the 25-yearby Heidi Westfield old had a kidney transplant in early January. “I feel like a whole new person, a whole new man,’ he reflects, on the impact of the surgery. “I am looking forward to getting back to work and being active again.” Matt was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome about five years ago, while studying Communications and Business at Carleton University in Ottawa. The genetic disease damaged his kidneys, and has also led to hearing loss. In the summer of 2018, as his renal function worsened, doctors began the process of matching him for a kidney transplant. His father was

going to be the donor.

A year later, while the medical work-up was continuing, Matt lost kidney function and began dialysis three times a week. It was while at a dialysis session, that he learned about peer support meetings organized by The Kidney Foundation of Canada. He went to a group meeting, and found it helped him better cope with his new challenges.

“With dialysis being so new to me, I didn’t know what to expect. I had a lot of questions about nutrition, foods to avoid and the whole dialysis lifestyle,” he notes. “I left with a lot of my questions answered and feeling very confident in how I was going to manage this new transition in my life. It was comforting to be around other people who could relate to what I was going through.”

Matt spent five months on dialysis before his transplant. Over that time, he learned about the Kidney Walk, and decided to take part. He set an ambitious target, hoping to raise $5,000 for The Kidney Foundation. After sharing his personal story, he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. In the end, Matt raised $17,000 to become one of the top fundraisers in Ontario.

“It was awesome to have the support of friends and family coming out to the Walk. Honestly, you couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was a lot of fun, and I am glad I took part. Can’t wait for next year’s walk!”

Matt’s advice to other young people facing kidney disease is not to keep everything to yourself. Sometimes, having a serious illness can be isolating. “Don’t be afraid to speak with others and lean on your family and friends,” he says. “Attending peer support groups are beneficial too. Being around people going through the same thing can help a lot.” 