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



Friday, June 1, 2012


Thank you for your past support.  Together we have raised nearly $75,000 for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.  Since 2001, when I surprisingly ended up on dialysis, your continued support has helped to curb kidney disease in a state where the main risks - obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are near epidemic.  The NKFM helps to increase kidney donations, including living-donations like the one Andria gave me in 2001.
Unfortunately my disease, FSGS, shut down her gracious donation immediately.  There are many folks like me where future kidney transplants are dubious (you may recall, I had another transplant in 2005 that also shut down).  In the US there are nearly half a million people on dialysis.  The National Kidney Foundation provides tools to help people on dialysis to live a quality life
Again, this year the Riverdudes are raising money for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.  There are three ways that you can get involved.
  1. Make a donation through this secure website right now. 
  2. Join The Riverdudes and The Hubbard Law Firm Walk Team and collect funds to help us reach our goal. We will be walking downtown this year on Saturday, June 9 at 8:00 am at Lugnuts Stadium. You can register at the website.
  1. Become a virtual member of the Riverdudes.  Join the Walk Team by registering at the website, but because of timing or distance, just help raise money.
The money you donate to NKFM is used for research into cures and better treatments, sending kids on dialysis and with transplants to camp, making medicines more affordable to patients, and educating at risk populations about how to reduce their risk to kidney disease.
Please donate $100, $50, or what you can to day. If you would rather, you can send a check made out to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and mail it to me in the enclosed envelop.
Together we can help many others through supporting the NKFM.
Dialyze for the Prize!
And, thank you for your support and kindness -
Erich
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