Zaki

Some of my favorite things in life are simple but meaningful; Spending time with family and friends, walking in the park, cooking a great meal, and driving just for the joy of it. For a while, I practiced jiu-jitsu, and I loved every second of it. I hope one day, when the time and circumstances are right, I can get back on the mat.

Right now, I’m a student at the University of Louisville, working toward a double major in Biology and Psychology. On top of that, I’m a youth mentor with the YMCA’s Y-NOW program, guiding young people and helping them build brighter futures. Staying engaged in my passions and community is important to me, even when my health makes things challenging.

Living with kidney failure means dialysis is part of my weekly routine, totaling about 15–20 hours every week. Some days, I experience what’s called a “dialysis hangover” along with shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, and brain fog. Even so, I push myself to walk as much as I can and stay active when I’m able.

I’ve been through a lot in my life, but dialysis is the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. It has taught me self-respect, responsibility, and resilience. It’s also revealed who my true friends are and deepened my bond with my family. Their support means everything to me, and this journey has brought us closer than ever before.

Looking ahead, I’m hopeful. I want to receive a kidney transplant so I can get my time, my energy, and my balance back—so I can get my life back. My goal is to graduate within the next two years, pursue a master’s degree in psychology, and become a counselor for children and young adults. From there, I hope to continue a career in mentorship, helping others build lives of meaning and fulfillment. To anyone considering joining the donor registry, I’d say: take the time to learn about the need and the impact you can have. In the U.S. alone, thousands are waiting for kidneys. I know organ donation is a big decision and can feel intimidating, but the truth is, we’re born with two kidneys and only need one. Living kidney donors usually recover in about eight weeks and in return, they give someone a chance at life. Dialysis can only do about one-third of the work of a healthy kidney. A transplant is more than a surgery, it’s a miracle.