June 2007

It is with great sadness that I report on the passing of Ellie Durrett. You may not have known Ellie, but she had the most generous and kind heart of anyone I have ever known. Ellie served on our Board of Directors, at one point serving as an officer and was President of the AAKP Middle Tennessee Chapter. Many of you may also have seen Ellie on posters for the "AAKP Says I Can" program or speak at our Annual Convention.

Ellie lived life with a passion. She was a 25 year dialysis patient, doing most of her treatments at home. She had recently begun daily dialysis. She loved to garden, can vegetables and fruits, and was active in her church. Ellie never said "no" and traveled to almost every Convention and Board meeting.

Most importantly, Ellie was an inspiration to many patients, including me. I never once heard her complain or be negative about her kidney failure. She loved her family and they, above anything else, were her first priority and responsibility. But she respected her renal diet, followed her prescription regimen and never missed a dialysis treatment. That with her positive nature made life enjoyable and exciting for her. I used to call Ellie "Miss Ellie" because she reminded me of a true southern lady.

Ellie instilled her zest for life on many patients. Just this past Convention she gave a slide presentation on being a 25 year patient. In the presentation she had pictures of her and her family camping in the 1980s, her wedding and gardening. She told fellow patients to live life to the fullest and not stop doing things that they enjoyed just because they were on dialysis.

I will miss Ellie greatly. She had a huge impact on my life and my own healthcare. God speed Ellie. If ever there was someone who was sure to make it upstairs, it is Miss Ellie.

Regards,

Kris Robinson
Executive Director/CEO