By Barbara Weaner, MSN, FNP

What a delightful surprise and a blessing the Elkins, West Virginia Dialysis Unit received when Steven Dick paid a visit last week. Steven brought with him an envelope thick with cash – $816 he had raised single-handedly for the Dialysis Patient Emergency Fund, kept for our uninsured patients, and those in need of emergency help.

Steven Dick is a 50 year old man who was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis at six months of age. Tuberous sclerosis is a genetic disorder that damages skin, lungs, heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. As an infant, Steven had seizures which lead to his diagnosis. He is one of three brothers, and the only person in his family with kidney disease. Despite associated cognitive problems, Steven managed to get his General Equivalency Diploma in 1982. When he was 45 years old, he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and renal angiomyolipomas, which often accompany tuberous sclerosis. He has undergone five cyst reduction surgeries, and endures chronic pain from his illness. Today he is a chronic kidney disease patient (CKD).

Last year Steven read about a fitness program called Walk for Life, sponsored by our local hospital. People were invited to walk 100 miles in 100 days to improve their health. Steven was so enthusiastic he walked 800 miles! He read about walk a-thons for cancer, and wanted to “walk for dialysis.” He was disappointed that “Walk for Dialysis” did not recruit sponsors to donate to charitable organizations. One morning on a visit to our kidney clinic, Steven noticed a huge ostrich egg that had been decorated for Easter and donated to the unit by a patient’s daughter to raise money for the patient fund.

Steven was inspired by her work and creativity, and tried to think of something he could do to help with fundraising. He chose velvet paintings – a craft he had enjoyed previously and set to work on a series of paintings. He took the initiative to offer these paintings to friends and neighbors, and word began to spread of Steven’s efforts. Before long, a number of area residents offered contributions and Steven received more donations in support of his project, ultimately raising $816!

Many months ago, Steven read about exceptional patients in Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine , and asked if he could become one himself. He has since become an avid reader and big promoter of the magazine! Steven loves listening to music, spending time with friends and family, playing computer games, doing word search puzzles, and walking when feeling well. He has begun to read about kidney failure and likes to learn about polycystic kidney disease. He has encouraged friends and family to learn more about kidney disease, since West Virginia has among the highest rates of kidney failure in the country.

And his advice for others reading this article:

1. “Eat your vegetables! Learn to like healthy food!”

2. “Find a good kidney doctor that you trust, and work with your kidney nurse.”

3. “Check out the dialysis center, and don’t be afraid of it.”

Steven is an example of someone who sees beyond himself, and beyond the limitations of his own illness. We were touched by his devotion, his generosity and his good spirit, and hope that it brings you inspiration also.

Barbara Weaner, MSN, FNP, is a nurse practitioner at West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Medicine.

This article originally appeared the in December 2006 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine