Throughout his retirement, John Cioffi spent much of his spare time helping others. After a long and successful career, he was ready to devote himself to important causes and offer his support to those less fortunate.

“I felt like I owed something back so I did a lot of volunteer work in Africa and India,” said John.

From the mid 1980s to 2000, John volunteered with organizations across the globe to help people in areas such as Africa, India and Russia. He took a special interest in finding medical care for those who could not afford it, starting with an effort to help bring ophthalmologists from larger cities to perform cataract surgeries in areas where doctors did not exist. His efforts eventually extended to all types of patients, especially primary medical care for families.

John became involved with “Reaching the Un-reached,” (RTU) a program that provides basic medical care to mothers, children and senior citizens. He also helped families in underdeveloped areas of India by providing better houses and sanitary wells to the residents. Many houses in these small towns were simply one-room huts with weak thatched roofs. When heavy rains would come, the huts would fill with water. The sitting water and lack of a closed shelter caused many residents to become ill. The new houses were instead made of cement block with tiled roofs, which provided a more adequate shelter and helped prevent potential medical problems.

However, John was unaware that his efforts would soon take a different direction – he would need to take care of himself. Earlier in his retirement, John was diagnosed with congestive heart failure – a disease which he had accepted and was adequately treating. But in early 2000, John’s doctor informed him that he had deteriorating kidney function – news that was devastating to John.

The news of kidney disease hit John “like a bombshell.” He showed a tough, unaffected exterior, but inside he was “boiling with anger.” Initially, he decided to ignore the seriousness of his kidney disease.“I was suddenly full of fear and anxiety. So much so, that I refused to properly treat myself. That’s just not me,” explained John.

John had spent his entire life as a very active and constructive person, which made his diagnosis even more difficult to accept. However, John knew that untreated kidney disease would only add stress to his already weak heart. These were issues that he had to face. Over time, he realized that chronic kidney disease (CKD) was not a death sentence. Instead, CKD was something he needed to accept and deal with responsibly.

In November 2003, he received a flyer promoting AAKP’s “Kidney Care: Finding Your Strength” program in South Florida. Despite his reluctance, John decided that he had nothing to lose by attending the event.

After hearing educational speakers and speaking to other patients that were facing similar situations, John realized he was not alone. He became inquisitive about his condition and the steps he needed to take to become as healthy as possible. John decided to speak to his doctors about the details of his disease and addressed any questions and concerns that he had about his health. Knowing more about CKD put many of John’s fears at ease. He “realized that the initial fear of kidney disease was based on ignorance” and that doctors can only help those who want to help themselves.

John now knows the importance of educating himself and becoming familiar with all aspects of his disease and medical care. He even encouraged his nephrologists to distribute educational brochures to newly-diagnosed CKD patients to help ease their fears and address their concerns.

In order to concentrate on his health and retirement, John decided to stop his volunteering efforts overseas and passed his work along to mission brothers at Manhattan College in New York. He also donated money to help establish a hospice in South India to help children with AIDS. However, he continues to volunteer for local causes.

“People don’t have to travel around the world to help others. They can do these things right at home,” said John.

These days John keeps up with the latest news and issues regarding kidney disease. He exercises each day, follows a well-balanced renal-friendly diet and manages his fluid intake. John now has a deeper understanding of his health and is an avid follower of his doctor’s orders. His new confidence is attributed to the strength and support he found through speaking with other kidney patients who were facing similar fears and problems. John’s family has been supportive and encouraging, but it is still difficult for them to understand his daily struggles. The support of his peers has been an important tool to John’s acceptance.

John keeps himself busy by volunteering for local organizations. He has taken a special interest in addressing parking and transportation issues at Jupiter Beach and has also volunteered at hospitals in Jupiter, Fla. and Long Island, N.Y. Despite everything John has done for others, he strives to become even more involved. His doctors informed him that he would eventually have to begin dialysis – news that John has accepted and does not fear. He has put forth the effort to research his treatment options and visit dialysis facilities near his home.

John advises new patients to “forget your fears. Your life may take another direction, but it’s still a great life. You have got to be positive. There’s just no reason not to be.” John Cioffi has certainly forgotten all of his fears. Thank you, John, for being a source of inspiration to us all.

John Cioffi currently resides in Jupiter, Fla. and Westhampton Beach, N.Y. with his wife of 49 years.

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2004 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 3.

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