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, April 21, 2011

"I wish you weren't fat."

My daughter and I are driving and she notices a couple of children running on the sidewalk and turns to me and says, "I wish you weren't fat.  I wish your were skinny."

I take a Twix like pause to give my good daddy side of my brain time to kick start and them timidly ask, "Why?"

"Because then we can run together," she innocently responds.  

Apparently all the physical benefits of my 235 mile canoe odyssey last year have disappeared.  This year's goal will be to run with my daughter.  

After I told this story to Andria, she mentioned that I could have said, "At least I'm not dead."  

To which I responded, "Honey, I don't live in a world of attorneys.  I have to assume innocence first and anyways, sarcasm only works with Jacob."
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