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



Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Tomorrow is the day!

I'm excited and nervous as I lay hear the night before shoving off into the Grand River.  I have seven hours and seventeen minutes of dialysis left before my machine alarms that it is done and that it is time to wake up and take out the needles.


I have so much to catch up on.  I really haven't had time to blog as I had wished.  With the kids out for summer I try to focus me energies on them.  I owe it to them since I'm not sure of the future.  I know that know one is, but I do know the odds favor the house in my case.


My recovery from my hemorrhoids surgery took about five weeks which put a damper on my training.  In the past two weeks I've tried to make up lost time by paddling and hiking.  I haven't seen a gym in seven weeks.  We'll find out tomorrow what type of shape I'm in.


I have been spending an incredible amount of time on a 1,000 piece mailing which seems to be paying off, especially after all the great press I've received recently.  We are up to $10,000 and working on hard on reaching $20,000.


Jacob is joining me tomorrow for the first float.  I'm happy with a pinch of trepidation about my son on board.  It is not too technical, rather he may tire out.   He is very excited and so am I.  I think we'll be talking about this for the rest of lives.


Here are some photos of Mike Watters getting my boat all dolled up for the event.  Mike owns Blue Fish Advertising and donated his services.  Thanks, Mike.


Wish me luck and skill, for I'm on the water tomorrow.


Good night, Erich





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2 comments:

  1. Ak SağlıkJuly 15, 2010 at 5:12 AM

    A beautiful page. I liked.
    Health

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarcieJuly 15, 2010 at 1:20 PM

    The boat looks great! Can't wait to read more about the journey. Good Luck and THANKS for doing this for the NKFM.

    ReplyDelete

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