National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

Making A Difference Stories

Featured Making a Difference Stories

Jeritha Brown, Survivor, Mother, Mentor, Student, Walker
Early in 2018, transplant physicians did not think that 38-year-old Jeritha Brown from St. Clair Shores would survive all that her body had suffered, including the rejection of her newly transplanted kidney. The nephrologist who knew her best said, “You don’t know Jeritha. She’s a fighter.” > more

Eleven years ago, Rex Smith’s kidneys shut down while he was being treated with an antibiotic. Fortunately, his kidneys resumed function not long after, but Rex did not realize that they were not working at full strength. Like many people, he had no symptoms as his kidney function decreased. In 2018, he was shocked when told he was in kidney failure again. > more

Kristabelle and her almost-four year old son Zachary have the 2018 and 2019 Kidney Walks at the Detroit Zoo under their belts and are excited for the 2020 Walk, despite it’s being postponed until summer. Back in 2018, we reached out to Kristabelle, a Sterling Heights resident, and she was eager to share Zach’s story. “Thank you for thinking of us,” Kristabelle emailed. “If we can use the opportunity to educate others about chronic kidney disease, its lifelong impacts, and inspire more awareness, we would be happy to help.” > more