Kidney Failure
Donation protected
Hi my name is Chessie.
I have had kidney disease since I was six years old. In early 2023, my kidney failed. We knew it was coming because I was the recipient of a transplant back in 2009, but transplants don’t last forever. Having already lived through kidney failure, dialysis and the transplant procedure, this second bout has proven incredibly challenging as my normal day-to-day life’s been replaced by dialysis, hospital visits and days stuck in bed being too sick to work.
I have barely been able to run my business as a yoga teacher this year and have been scraping by as have 3 operations to put two lines in my neck and a tube in my tummy.
Thank you so much for all your love so far. I appreciate it so much!
I am interested in helping others in the same position as me with their nutrition as I felt like this was a really hard part for me with little support.
Why Nutrition is SO important to Kidney patients:
Nutrition is absolutely fundamental to good health in any human being. But in a person with failed kidneys, getting it wrong can be quite dangerous.
Why the current situation NEEDS TO CHANGE:
The NHS have been incredibly helpful and kind so far, and we are eternally grateful for them. However, due to underfunding, they can’t afford to specialise in nutrition too, and have been unable to offer helpful advice - some of their advice could even have caused harm if followed.
For example, they actually recommend eating monster munch, processed white bread, and chocolate because they’re low in potassium…now, I love monster munch almost as much as I love the NHS…but an oily, salty snack full of chemicals and sugar is NOT ok to put in a failed kidney!
I want to clarify, we are so grateful for the NHS and the amazing work they do, but since they can’t afford to be super-stars in nutrition, I had to take matters into her own hands.
So, here’s why I’m asking you to help me train as a nutritionist:
- As I trains, she’ll be able to build her own kidney-friendly diet based on scientific research, protecting me from painful symptoms and time spent unable to work.
- Once I am qualified, she can share her knowledge and experience with other people going through kidney failure, helping them take control of their nutrition, and massively improving their quality of life!
- The course fees were already a big ask when I was working full-time, so you can imagine how unrealistic that goal is now she can only work a few classes per week.
- I can rely on this new skill for the times I unable to teach yoga, empowering me to regain self-sufficiency!
Where will your money go?
- Contributions to rent and bills while I am too sick to work full-time.
- Nutritionist training fees
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this appeal. Anything you're able to donate will help me, and if you can't donate, please share this appeal!
Organizer and beneficiary
Chessie Hutchings
Organizer
Chessie Hutchings
Beneficiary