I was 24 years old when I found out I had Polycystic Kidney Disease. I went to the radiologist for a lump on my chest. As we were looking at the scans the radiologist said, “Can I show you something? I think I found something on your kidneys.” That's when I found out I had PKD.

About two years ago, I started seeing my doctor and also met a holistic kidney therapist. So now I have a medical way and a holistic way to go about keeping my kidneys healthy. I have a full-fledged regimen. That includes taking Jynarque, which is specific to PKD, and blood pressure medications. I also take supplements like resveratrol, green tea extract, and fish oil to support my cardiovascular system and take some of the strain off my kidneys. I also do saunas, ice baths, and work out religiously. My days really start with attacking this first: it's become my lifestyle.

I have a medical way and a holistic way to go about keeping my kidneys healthy. I have a full-fledged regimen.

I’m up at 5:40 am. I heat up my in-house sauna. Get in that for about 30 to 35 minutes. I get out, stretch, then do my intense cardio for the morning. After that I do an ice bath for 10 to 15 minutes, then take my medication and walk my dog. From there, I go to work. After work, I’ll usually go to the gym for three to four nights a week to get some of my strength work in. I usually monitor my blood pressure two to three times a week to make sure I'm within my ranges and that everything's heading in the right direction.

My wife, Michelle has been a nutritionist for 10 years now. She knows exactly what to do to take care of me, to make sure I live as long as possible.

One of the bigger concerns that Michelle and I have is having kids, because having PKD means that I have a 50% chance of having a kid with PKD. Knowing that, we wanted to see if there was anything that we could do. When we found out there were options, like genetic testing and IVF, we started to have conversations with our doctor about what that would entail. We hope it will lead to us to having a child that’s free of polycystic kidney disease for their entire lives.

We all come from different backgrounds, different privileges, and different opportunities. Whether we're poor or rich, the one thing that always carries down from parents to sons or daughters is your health. To be able to give our child the opportunity to have great health for life is an opportunity that I didn't have. It’s an opportunity to pass that down, to not have to worry about PKD, to have a great life.

To be able to give our child the opportunity to have great health for life is an opportunity that I didn't have.