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During the daytime, Nicklaus lives an active life of a two-year-old, playing with his older brother and keeping his parents on their toes. You might never know this energetic toddler has battled kidney disease since birth, requiring nightly dialysis treatments at home, while he waits for a kidney transplant.

Being diagnosed with kidney disease can seem overwhelming and feel like everything changed at once. An essential first step to helping patients start their therapy strong is empowering them to proactively participate with their healthcare professional team in the decision-making process about their journey. The next step is supporting their access to innovative therapy options designed to provide differentiated care.

Amber went to see her doctor for what she thought was a prolonged stomach virus but quickly learned instead that her kidneys had failed and she required dialysis. Her unplanned start put her in a position of initiating dialysis without the benefit of therapy education about her choices and related lifestyle options. She learned to define her kidney journey with the help of her community, by asking questions and proactively managing her path to transplant.

Dawn is a mom and travel and shopping enthusiast. But her true passion lies in being a full-time kidney patient advocate who regularly speaks to patients about her 30-year care journey. She aims to empower others to take an active role with their healthcare team in making therapy choices, including starting on home dialysis when possible.

Ken Sutha, M.D., Ph.D., is a pediatric nephrologist at Stanford Children's Health, Palo Alto, Calif. As a kidney patient and a physician, he understands the challenges COVID-19 presents.