Dialysis defines much of my life.

Because of the condition of my kidneys, I need dialysis sessions three times a week and four hours each day in order to survive. While this can be hard at times, I am grateful to have access to the treatment because dialysis gives me the ability to manage my health and spend private time in other pursuits.

At the dialysis clinic, I have a second family who I see quite often. It includes other patients, staff and nurses who always have my health and safety in mind, and because of that closeness, we have become extensions of each other’s families, which has been especially important over the past year and a half.

I lived in a state of high alert during the pandemic; COVID-19 hit people with kidney failure especially hard. But, because of the care and concern from everyone at the DaVita clinic in Mt. Greenwood, I was able to remain safe and healthy.

While organ transplants and at-home dialysis are a possibility for me, I choose to remain at my clinic with my “extended family” because it is where I feel the most comfortable. I understand that some people may have different experiences, but I am confident that my story is more common than not.

Dialysis has given me hope that I will be able to manage my health care for years to come, and for that and the community that has now become my family, I am truly grateful.

Maxie Evans

Learn more about Maxie Evans’ story at https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/thrive-central/chicago-dialysis-story