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, November 16, 2011

Celebrating organ donation this Sunday at All Saints Episcopal Church East Lansing

She is nervous. Sitting in the waiting room she tries not to think about it. Everyone chats around her - mom, husband, and friend. The beach, focus on the beach she reminds herself. The warm sun, emerald waters and her son giddy with excitement when he scoops a handful of sand and water appears. Focus on your favorite place they told her. Don’t get up and run that would be childish, see the waves. The vision is interrupted when the attendant states her name and says that it is time.


Laying on the gurney, all that she can think of is that they need to put the IV in so that she can get the relaxing medicine. They promised her relaxing medicine. But the IV is going to hurt. I’m voluntarily subjecting myself to pain. Remember, they said you can change your mind at any time. This is crazy. It’s in, and her eyes close for a second; that is all that is needed for her little boy’s smile to reappear. As he digs his hole a pair of larger hands is helping. She opens them and sees her husband at her side whispering words of encouragement. She draws courage from deep inside. She is still scared but she knows that donating her kidney is what she must do.

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