‘Borrowed Time’: Black Lives at Risk in America’s Kidney Wait Game

When you observe me, you might not recognize my illnesses. Many have remarked, “You don’t look sick,” implying a narrow standard for visible ailments. Such comments inadvertently cast me into an invisible realm, where sickness demands a discernible form to gain validation.Consequently, my kidneys have failed, along with battling diabetes, high blood pressure, and recovering from a stroke in 2022. I’ve awaited dialysis and a transplant for years, dreading both prospects due to their complexities. Dialysis is a relentless cycle—three times weekly, filtering toxins my kidneys can no longer manage. Missing a session invites severe risks, as each treatment merely extends survival.Transplants, while a hopeful alternative, introduce new challenges, requiring daily antirejection medications that pose their own hazards. This treatment landscape spotlights systemic disparities, particularly affecting the Black community, which endures disproportionately high rates of kidney disease. As I navigate this journey, I urge open conversations about donations and healthcare equity. Join me in advocating for our collective survival. (Photo: Wikipedia)