The journey with a loved one having kidney disease has been far from easy. Worrying about what we are going to be told next. About a year ago John Aldrich, someone's beloved partner, father, uncle, cousin, friend was told he was in kidney failure and was going to need a kidney transplant. It all began with a wave of exhaustion and a feeling of something fundamentally shifting in the body. What felt like months or even years to some family members we finally got a diagnosis for the reason John had been feeling like this, several amounts of frustration because it felt like the doctors were taking forever to tell us all what was going on, several doctors appointments that felt pointless because we didn't walk out with answers, several scans, several amounts of blood taken, and whatever else you can think a doctor could do to help him it was done. Although it was not the diagnosis we wanted to hear, we now know what we need to stand strong for. John is on the Kidney transport list and is waiting for that call from the hospital saying they have a kidney ready for him and here is the surgery date. That would be the best news he could receive right now. The diagnosis of kidney disease hit like a tidal wave, especially when faced with the reality of needing dialysis. It's like getting a full-time job you didn't apply for, spending evenings hooked up to a machine. The fatigue is relentless, making it hard to concentrate and stay motivated. It challenges everything you thought you knew about your capabilities. Yet, amongst the fatigue and the adjustments, an inner strength was found. Dialysis wasn't a death sentence, but an opportunity to reclaim some quality of life. It is a powerful reminder that kidney disease doesn't have to define a person. Starting dialysis was a very tough decision John had to make. Stubbornness was the number one factor there. As many people know, John works a lot, and that was his biggest worry was how he was going to work and pay for everything he has. John is completing dialysis three times a week Monday, Wednesday and Friday. John is doing dialysis in Newport VT as they have later appointments, which allows John to work during the day still. Through it all, the support of family and friends has been a lifeline for John. Especially with the frustration, stress, anger, sadness this diagnosis has brought John and his family. Sharing feelings with loved ones and asking for help, even with seemingly small things like meal preparation so dinner can be done for when dialysis is completed, going to appointments for support, and everything else everyone has helped with hasn't gone unnoticed. Little things like this can make a world of difference.The experience has also opened the families eyes to the critical need for organ donation awareness, and realizing that it isn’t going to happen in a snap of a finger like we all wish it would. There are countless people waiting for a second chance at life, and John is one of them.Living with kidney disease isn't easy, for John or the family, But it has taught us resilience, the importance of support, and the transformative power of generosity. It's a journey filled with challenges, but also moments of unexpected joy and profound gratitude. The story is one of adapting, advocating, and finding strength in the face of adversity, and it is hoped that it inspires others to learn more about kidney health, consider organ donation, and offer support to those in their community living with kidney disease.