Kidney Disease Survivor Feeds the Homeless
"Before I got kidney disease, I knew nothing about the homeless," he confessed, adding that "all of a sudden...I was a blind man on dialysis, and I had to depend on others to care for me."
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December 4, 2009
Elias Nasrallah's world nearly came crumbling down five years ago when he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) which requires weekly dialysis for him to stay alive. Yet, despite the physical limitations, Nasrallah, who is a chef, has refused to let the condition limit the scope of his work and life.
Moreover, the experience of striving to survive a serious disease every day has opened his eyes to the range of misfortunes that can affect human beings, and which he tended to overlook previously. As a result, Nasrallah has become involved in activities that help those less fortunate then himself.
"Before I got kidney disease, I knew nothing about the homeless," he confessed, adding that "all of a sudden...I was a blind man on dialysis, and I had to depend on others to care for me. So now, I am paying it forward the best way I know how to."
On Thanksgiving, Nasrallah partnered with several organizations, including CityTeam Ministries of San Jose, to cook lunch for the homeless in the California city.
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 500,000 U.S. residents were undergoing treatment for ESRD in 2006.
Experts say conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are major contributing causes to ESRD, so their appropriate treatment and management may significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Individuals affected by ESRD may turn to the National Kidney Foundation for information that may help them live thriving lives despite the adversity. The organization also accepts donations.
Elias Nasrallah's world nearly came crumbling down five years ago when he was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) which requires weekly dialysis for him to stay alive. Yet, despite the physical limitations, Nasrallah, who is a chef, has refused to let the condition limit the scope of his work and life.
Moreover, the experience of striving to survive a serious disease every day has opened his eyes to the range of misfortunes that can affect human beings, and which he tended to overlook previously. As a result, Nasrallah has become involved in activities that help those less fortunate then himself.
"Before I got kidney disease, I knew nothing about the homeless," he confessed, adding that "all of a sudden...I was a blind man on dialysis, and I had to depend on others to care for me. So now, I am paying it forward the best way I know how to."
On Thanksgiving, Nasrallah partnered with several organizations, including CityTeam Ministries of San Jose, to cook lunch for the homeless in the California city.
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 500,000 U.S. residents were undergoing treatment for ESRD in 2006.
Experts say conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are major contributing causes to ESRD, so their appropriate treatment and management may significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Individuals affected by ESRD may turn to the National Kidney Foundation for information that may help them live thriving lives despite the adversity. The organization also accepts donations.
