In 2010, to celebrate my tenth year of a wonderful life on dialysis I sort of got in shape and canoed 225 miles with the Grand River Expedition 2010. It was an incredible journey that couldn't have happened without my family and many dear friends.

I have been on dialysis since 2001 and have used every form of dialysis currently available in search of the best outcome and the best life. I have done in-center hemodialysis, at home hemodialysis with a traditional dialysis machine, peritoneal dialysis and finally, NxStage's System One home hemodialysis machine. I have had two kidney transplants, one from my beautiful wife and another because a thoughtful motorcyclist had checked the donate organs line on his license. For me, the technology for a successful transplant does not exist for my disease. I remain open and optimistic about wearable and implantable artificial kidneys.

Since I started my first blog, Tasty Kidney Pie, in 2001, I have tried to, and hope to continue to, inspire dialysis patients and others living with chronic illnesses to get outdoors and live an active and fruitful life.

Since 2001, The Riverdudes, my National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Walk Team has raised $78,000.

I currently spend my time writing, raising my children, snuggling with my wife, getting outside and staying active, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.

Thank you

With your help we can exceed this year's goal of $5,000 for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Thank you very much for your continued support. Erich



Thursday, July 22, 2010

Day 9 - Sunny, Slow, Wet, Thunder, Speed Paddle, Great Bowman

I've been at Ionia State Park with Andria's Dad, Larry and is wonderful wife Sue, who have been my incredible hosts with their 28 ft. travel trailer and delicious meals.  I came into town and found a Biggby's for the wi-fi, definitely not the espresso.  My heart belongs to Coffee Jam.  


The stories keep coming, but for now I'll post some photos since Larry is itching to do some fishing, er, o.k., I'm itching to do some fishing.


Yesterday and today I had my cuz, Matt canoeing for me.  I met my cuz only five years ago or so, and this was a wonderful time to meet this incredibly neat twenty four year old man.  We had a great time, especially as we blew through the river ahead of a electrical storm today.  We made to the take out in time. For awhile it felt as if we were in the Au Sable Marathon Canoe Race.  Many of our fellow paddlers have actually been in that race.  It was fun to pretend.  Thankfully, we only had forty-five minutes to go.


I have much more to write about Matt, and my other bowman, including my wonderful Andria, but for now enjoy the photos and accept my apology for not getting online sooner.  I have to admit I've been pretty tired at night.  Tomorrow I'll be at the Grand Haven Spring Lake Holiday Inn and will have wi-fi access, though I haven't seen my family since Sunday.  They'll be joining me tomorrow and we'll have some catching up to do.  I'll post as soon as I can.  Cheers and thank you for following me.  Erich
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