National Kidney Month reminds us of the role our kidneys play

Since I'll soon celebrate the third anniversary of my kidney transplant my goal is to spread awareness of the important role our kidneys play in keeping us healthy.

Recuperation journey: March is National Kidney Month

March is a busy month full of important national observances. Join us as we observe National Kidney Month! 

The Transplant Life Foundation will highlight stories and important facts and figures all through March to point out a critical need for kidney donation. #NationalKidneyMonth #ShareYourSpare

*Shared from the Transplant Life Foundation Facebook page.

Recuperation journey: World Kidney Day

I admit I lost track of time. 
This morning I read that today, the second Thursday in March, is World Kidney Day. 
The day is marked to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys.
March is National Kidney Month.

PKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease, is a horrible, inherited disorder for which there's no cure. Fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys and reduce their function, leading eventually to renal failure. It is one of many chronic kidney diseases.

Many members of my late father's side of the family suffered with it, and I also inherited it. 
But I was fortunate enough to receive a kidney from an altruistic donor last May, which explains my "recuperation journey" posts. And my never-ending gratitude to my donor.

I framed my Facebook profile pic this morning with #ENDPKD. 

Raising awareness on World Kidney Day

I just learned that today is World Kidney Day so I'm posting this to help raise awareness. March is National Kidney Month.

Since I have inherited polycystic kidney disease I'm past the prevention stage; but being aware of the vital role that one's kidneys play in overall health is always good.  

From www.worldkidneyday.org: 

"World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys.

"World Kidney Day comes back every year. All across the globe many hundred events take place from public screenings in Argentina to Zumba marathons in Malaysia. We do it all to create awareness. Awareness about preventive behaviors, awareness about risk factors, and awareness about how to live with a kidney disease. We do this because we want kidney health for all."

Raising awareness of kidney disease

March is National Kidney Month.

As someone living with Polycystic Kidney Disease I want to do my part to help raise awareness of it.

I posted this video link about Polycystic Kidney Disease a year ago, and I thought I'd post it again today, March 1.

The 31-Day March Challenge: I hope it raised awareness

PKD: Polycystic kidney disease. Putting an end to it is a fabulous idea!

National Kidney Month is marked each year in March. 

I've never liked talking about myself, but in late February
my husband urged me to post the 31 Day Challenge initiated by the PKD Foundation.

I did, and that forced me to talk about myself and my PKD diagnosis. I wrote about that here, on Feb. 29.

My hope in spreading the word about the challenge was that I'd not only raise awareness, but also meet others diagnosed with PKD. 
That didn't happen. 

But I'll continue to write about PKD, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and a myriad of other chronic conditions, because awareness is important.

I'll leave you with these factoids about PKD I posted a while back.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 31 ~ Let friends know you completed challenge, raised awareness

March 31

You did it! 

You completed the 31 Days of PKD Challenges. 

Update your status on Facebook and Twitter to let your friends and followers know that you took the challenge. 

Thanks for helping us raise awareness of PKD!

PKD Challenge for March: Day 30 ~ Share photo of someone who inspires

March 30

Use #PKDfighter and share a photo of someone who inspires you in the fight to end PKD.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 29 ~ Go caffeine free

March 29

Caffeine may promote cyst growth in patients with PKD.

Challenge yourself to go caffeine-free today.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 28 ~ Show caregivers you care

March 28

Let's hear it for caregivers! 

Give a shout out to a caregiver in your life.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 27 ~ Share photo of a kidney-healthy recipe

March 27

What's cookin'!? 

Make a kidney-healthy recipe today and share a photo of your meal with us!

PKD Challenge for March: Day 26 ~ Read stories of hope

March 26

PKD can be a devastating disease, but we are strong and united in the fight to end it.

Read stories about courage and hope on the PKD Connection blog. 

While you're there, be sure to subscribe for easy access to health tips, information about PKD and a chance to connect with others.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 25 ~ Share photo of your gear

March 25

It's Family Photo Friday! 

Share a photo of you and your family wearing your PKD gear using #FPF.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 24 ~ Share story of donation

March 24

Organ donors truly save lives. 

If you have donated a kidney to a PKD patient, share your story with us.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 23 ~ Spread awareness with photo

March 23

The average normal kidney is the size of a human fist. 

Polycystic kidneys can get as large as a football, weighing up to 30 pounds each. 

Share this photo to help spread awareness of PKD.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 22 ~ Wear teal

March 22 

It's Teal Tuesday! 

Wear teal today and share your spirit to raise PKD awareness!

PKD Challenge for March: Day 21 ~ Why walk for PKD?

March 21

There are millions of reasons to Walk for PKD. What's yours? 

Share it using#WalkforPKD.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 20 ~ Raise funds

March 20

Neighborhood garage sale, lemonade stand, birthday party … you can do just about anything to raise dollars for PKD. 

Use your creativity to fundraise your way for PKD research. 

Start a DIY for PKD fundraiser today.

PKD Challenge for March: Day 19 ~ Watch a webinar

March 19

Watch one of our free education webinars.

We have a variety of webinars on PKD-related topics, including research, transplants, dialysis, nutrition trends and much more!

PKD Challenge for March: Day 18 ~ Share graphic to raise awareness

March 18

Raise awareness of PKD by sharing this graphic on social media. 

Use #PKDChallenge,#kidneymonth and #endPKD in your posts.