I never considered my kidneys much. I felt healthy, remained active, and at 74, I believed I was in fairly good condition. However, kidney disease has a way of creeping up on you. By the time many people discover they have it, they’re often in a dire situation. That could have been my fate—but with the right treatment at the right moment, I received a transplant before I required dialysis.

The initial indication of an issue arose when my primary care physician observed something unusual in my lab results and referred me to a kidney specialist. Initially, I couldn’t grasp the concern—what was the worry if I felt well? However, when the doctor clarified that my kidney function was deteriorating, I recognized the seriousness of the situation. My mother had passed away from kidney failure, and diabetes was prevalent in my family. I didn’t want to repeat their experiences.

Implementing the lifestyle changes necessary to maintain health with kidney disease could have been overwhelming, but I was lucky to not be alone on this path. I encountered Kathy, my care coordinator from Interwell Health, who collaborated closely with my physician to help me explore my options. She provided education about my condition, guided me through my treatment alternatives, and even arranged for a tour of a dialysis facility to allow me to see firsthand what I was striving to avoid. But her assistance didn’t end there—she linked me with a dietitian and mental health resources and supported me in making genuine changes to stabilize my kidney function. More than anything, she ensured I understood that obtaining a transplant before dialysis was my best chance at remaining healthy.

I had to transform my self-care habits. Prior to all of this, I used to brag about never drinking water. It turned out that wasn’t something to be celebrated. With advice from my dietitian—and much encouragement from my wife—I reduced my soda and tea intake and began drinking mainly water. I also kept active—I’ve always enjoyed dancing, particularly shag dancing, and I coach middle school football. Staying active helped maintain my strength while I awaited a transplant.

Just as I was making strides, I contracted COVID-19, and it impacted me severely. My kidney function plummeted to the point that I suddenly became eligible for a transplant. It was an odd silver lining—within months, I was officially on the transplant list.

I spent three years waiting for the call to arrive. When it finally came, my wife and I hurried to the hospital, and within hours, I had a new kidney. The transplant was successful, and the kidney began functioning immediately. In that moment, I realized my life had improved significantly.

Today, I feel better than I have in years. I’m back to shag dancing and living my life as I choose. Reflecting on my journey, I realize how fortunate I was to have a care team focused on preventing dialysis and securing an early transplant for me. Without this assistance, I might not be here—or I’d still be dependent on a dialysis machine.

Too many individuals are unaware of their kidney disease until it’s too late. However, it doesn’t have to remain this way. Healthcare is evolving—nephrologists and care teams like mine are being incentivized for keeping patients healthier, not merely treating them after they become ill. I’m living proof that this model is effective. More patients should have access to this kind of support—it transformed my life, and it could do the same for many others.

If you have kidney disease, don’t hesitate to take action. Ask questions, consult your doctor, and utilize available resources. Staying proactive about kidney disease made a significant difference for me—and it might do the same for you.

Charlie Cloninger is a kidney transplant recipient from Greenville, NC. An active dancer and DJ, he shares his experience to motivate others facing kidney disease to persevere. With the support of his Interwell Health team, he is dedicated to helping others enhance their quality of life and health outcomes.