Eleven years ago, William Lamkin’s life changed. He had been feeling weak for days, so he went to see his family doctor for a routine physical examine. William’s physician had to take a sample of his blood. Although the 44 year-old had conquered his childhood fear of needles, he still did not like getting stuck with one. William felt a sense of relief once the nurse finished drawing blood.

But when the laboratory results came back a week later, so did his fear. This time it was fear of what the future would bring. The results showed William was among the estimated 20 million Americans who suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Specifically, William had focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS). The glomeruli are the kidney’s filtering units. When the glomeruli are injured by trauma or other diseases, the kidney has difficulty cleansing the blood and getting rid of wastes and extra fluid in the body. FGS is one of more than 20 types of glomerular disorders, and one which often causes permanent kidney failure in adults and children. Some cases of FGS with progression to chronic kidney failure are associated with conditions such as reflux, heroin use and HIV nephropathies. In most cases the cause is unknown, as it is in William’s. The disease is becoming more common and is especially prevalent among African-American males. Those with the disease have a 50 percent chance of developing kidney failure within 10 years of onset.

William’s reaction to the news: “Disbelief. I couldn’t believe this was going to be with me for the rest of my life.” William immediately called his mother, Tina, a registered nurse. “I rushed to his home to be by his side. I knew he and his wife needed me,” said Tina.

Over the next few months, life for William got tougher. William tried living his life as he always did, but the disease was getting the best of him. “At the time my employer didn’t understand what the disease was doing to me physically. I was always tired. I missed several days from work. My boss just didn’t understand it was a daily adjustment.” The disease also took a toll on William’s family life. He and his wife grew apart. “When the diagnosis was confirmed, it was as if two faces were born. She would not go out to dinner with me, much less go to my doctors’ appointments. She grew more and more distant.” Two years later, William’s wife filed for divorce.

Fortunately for William, he had someone to turn to for support, his mother, Tina. “As his mother and as a registered nurse, I sort out the best care for William. It was my job and something I wanted to do,” said Tina. Tina helped William search for the best nephrologist in Tennessee. She talked to William about the importance of taking his medications and eating properly. According to Tina, William didn’t always follow the doctor’s orders. “At first it seemed like he didn’t have time for this disease. I mean he just wanted life to go on as usual.” Tina said she and William both had to face the fact that his life was going to be very different from now on.

It took some time before William fully grasped the idea that he had a chronic disease. Tina says she believes he understands that now. “His attitude has changed significantly.” William is now putting his health first and he’s no longer afraid of needles. According to Tina, William now plans his work days around his doctors’ appointments. He is strict about taking his medication and he knows that he needs to get enough sleep to have a productive work day. “I know his journey is hard, but as I’ve told William, the challenges can make him stronger. William is making remarkable progress everyday,” said Tina.

Despite his divorce, William remains very close to his daughter, Andrea. “My relationship with my daughter is my lifeline.” William says one of the main reasons he is doing a much better job of taking care of himself is because he wants to be healthy enough to be a good father to Andrea. “Andrea and I are very close. She encourages me to take care of myself. She says she wants me to be around as long as possible.”

William knows the pain of losing a parent. His father died in a helicopter crash when he was 9 years old. “Someone his age should not have to go through or see some of the things he’s experienced in his young life,” said Tina. “But God has a plan for every one of us. I’ve seen remarkable growth in William over the years.”

William sees remarkable growth within himself. “I still battle with weight gain, bouts of high blood pressure and loss of energy.” But he says he’s taking better care of himself than he did in the past. William says with his family’s encouragement, he knows he can accomplish great things. “My family means the world to me. It’s amazing to have someone to talk to. Knowing I can turn to my mother for help whenever I need it has made a world of difference.”

Jerome A. Bailey is the Communications Coordinator for AAKP. This article originally appeared in the April 2007 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine.