by LaShonda, 15

I was 14-years-old when I was told by my hospital that I had kidney failure: stage three. It’s now four months after weeks spent in the hospital having surgery twice, and I sometimes even forget that I have an illness. I don’t sit around the house and look sad. I like to do the same things I did before I was sick.

My life has had some changes though. I can’t do some of the things that I would like to do. But I like to look at the glass as half full - not half empty. My kidney failure has changed so much about me and my family. I look at everything positively now because I know that things could be worse than they are now. I don’t worry about little things like breaking a nail or having a bad hair day, because going through what I have been through with my illness I don't see the drama of a broken nail.

The power of laughter

I have also learnt to laugh at stuff that would normally make me mad. It’s better to laugh than get upset and worry yourself. Although I would rather not have had this illness I’m happy I have the attitude it has given me. I am a different person. I know a lot of teens that have said they don’t think they could have handled this illness the way I am handling it. I thank God that I am still here to live and breath the life I want to. And I thank my family for helping my through everything that I probably couldn’t do alone.

I am hoping to get a kidney transplant soon so I can end my dialysis treatment. I also believe that I will get a kidney because believing is half the battle and I am determined to win.

I am young and have my whole life ahead of my and this illness is not the end of me because what doesn't kill me makes me stronger!

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

• The National Kidney Foundation

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