May 23, 2008

          26 million Americans are living with kidney disease--Emily McFarland, of South County St. Louis is one. Emily was 18 when she was first put on dialysis and she received a kidney transplant at age 19. Now, 10 years later, her kidney has failed. Another transplant was scheduled, but the surgery had been postponed.     

           Both her father and sister have been tested; her father was unable to donate his kidney due to health concerns. “We both were devastated. I think he wanted to do this for his daughter as much as I wanted to be done with dialysis,” said Emily. Emily goes to dialysis three times a week for three hours at a time.

           Emily has a full-time job, friends and family, and she remains positive. After Emily’s first transplant, she became involved with the National Kidney Foundation where she met doctors, social workers, dietitians, patients and volunteers. “I look forward to coming out on the other side of this second transplant and becoming a happy, carefree person again,” said Emily.

          Emily is one of a growing number of St. Louisans who will participate in the Kidney Walk Friday, June 6, at Washington University’s Francis Field. In addition to the walk, there will be live entertainment, attendance prizes, a KIDney corner and food. The Kidney Walk is designed to help the public understand the importance of early detection of kidney disease. Registration will begin at 5 p.m. and the walk will start at 6:30 p.m. More information and registration details are available at 314-961-2828 or at www.kidneyemo.org.

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