Meet our trained volunteers who live with kidney disease; we call them our Youth Champions.
Our Kidney Youth Champions are passionate about improving the lives of kids living with kidney disease so you might see them visiting your paediatric unit, speaking at Kidney Health Australia events, or chatting on our closed Facebook group for Kidney Youth.
Register for monthly meetings by emailing kids@kidney.org.au or join our Kidney Youth Champions private Facebook group here. Moderated by Kidney Health Australia staff and the Youth Champions, it is a safe place to connect and socialise (over 18s only).
"When I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease at 23 years old, I imagined leading a normal life. I was the youngest on the kidney ward by decades, and all of my hopes and plans for the future changed. I desperately needed to meet another young person who had been through what I was about to go through, who not only succeeded in their health but also in their life. I didn't even imagine that someone like that existed.
Since working with Kidney Health Australia as a Youth Champion, I've met inspiring people who have it worse and manage to be happier and more active than I am. They set an example that helps me think positively, work on accepting the hand I've been dealt and focus on how I can use my experience to help others.
Every person living with kidney disease deserves that experience. Everyone deserves hope."
Luke Macauley, Kidney Youth Champion
For Luke's full story, click here.