By Jerome A. Bailey

You could say Kris Robinson’s fate was sealed more than 20 years ago when her father donated one of his kidneys to her. The generous gift changed the direction of her life. Before the operation, the college junior was determined to conquer the advertising world. But before that could happen, the one kidney she was born with failed. “I often wonder if I would have changed any part of my life given the opportunity,” Kris said in July 2006. “What would it have been like to not have kidney failure? I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change one experience in my lifetime. I won’t lie to you. It hasn’t necessarily been the easiest journey, but my kidney failure and ultimate transplant has made me the woman I am today. I have learned valuable lessons about love, devotion, strength, leadership, fear and courage that I may have never have totally known otherwise. The experience of living with a chronic illness has led me down a road I would not have previously imagined for myself.”

Part of that journey brought her to the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). Four years after her kidney transplant, Kris joined the staff of AAKP. Who would have imagined her role with the Association would grow as it did? Kris really understood the goals of AAKP’s founders; to improve the lives of all kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. Thanks to her leadership, AAKP is known as ‘the patient organization’ on Capitol Hill. Under Kris’ direction, patients received the best and latest educational materials available. World renowned health care professionals use AAKP’s books, brochures and magazines as teaching tools. Kris brought great value to the Association.

Kris recognized it was a team effort that allowed her to flourish as a leader in the renal community and allowed AAKP to grow as the top kidney patient resource center in the United States. She said, “I could have, by no means, traveled this road alone. My parents instilled a great deal of confidence in me with their love and support by making me believe there was nothing I couldn’t do with a chronic illness. My friends have made the sometimes bumpy road fun and daring, while also being there when I might not feel up to par. Through it all, my health care professionals have helped me to be a healthier patient and played a valuable role in ensuring my success for more than 20 years.”

And through her journey with AAKP, all the success she garnered as a leader, she always knew the most important part of the journey was the well-being of fellow patients. “I am certainly not alone on this journey. I have met thousands of patients, like you, who have shared their stories, inspired me to continue and give me hope for the future.”

Jerome A. Bailey is the Editor of aakpRENALIFE and Communications Manager for AAKP.

This article originally appeared in the January 2009 issue of aakpRENALIFE.

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