Episode 105: Born a Fighter: Fez's Journey Through CKD & Three Transplants

In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, host Dee Moore sits down with Fez Awan, a true warrior who has battled Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) since birth. Fez’s journey has been marked by immense challenges—three kidney transplants, childhood struggles with illness, and the emotional toll of growing up with a chronic condition. Yet, through it all, his unwavering determination and passion for advocacy shine brightly.   Fez opens up about his early years, navigating school, bullying, and the weight of a lifelong illness, offering an honest and heartfelt perspective on what it means to grow up with CKD. He shares the importance of mental health, support networks, and self-education, reminding young CKD patients and their families that they are not alone. His message is clear: take things one step at a time, focus on what you can control, and never lose hope.   Beyond his personal journey, Fez is dedicated to giving back to the kidney community. As the Chair of a patient-led renal network in Lancashire, England, he continues to advocate for better patient support and awareness. His work is a testament to the power of resilience, positivity, and community strength in the face of chronic illness.   Join us for this inspiring and deeply moving conversation as Fez shares his trials, triumphs, and lessons learned from a life shaped by CKD. His story is more than a testament to survival—it’s a beacon of hope for anyone battling kidney disease or supporting a loved one through it.   For updates and more, follow Dee Moore on:   Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior  Twitter: www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw  Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofakidneywarrior/   Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing list to get new episode reminders, episode links, Vlogs, newsletters and more! diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47   Follow Fez Awan Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FezAwan Twitter/X - @fezy Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fez-awan-682713240/   RPLAN Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/472709257105906 RPLAN Insta - https://www.instagram.com/rplan_nw/     If you were affected by any of the issues raised in this episode contact:   Kidney Care UK   •           Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org •           Email: [email protected] •           Tel: 01420 541 424 •           Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org •           Instagram: @kidneycareuk •           YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A   To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: [email protected]   Samaritans   Tel: 116 123 (freephone)   [email protected]   Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK PO Box 90 90 Stirling FK8 2SA samaritans.org Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).   Suicide Prevention UK   For help and support, available from 6 pm to midnight every day call 0800 689 5652   Childline   Tel: 0800 1111 childline.org.uk Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free helpline and 1-2-1 online chats with counsellors.   Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Guests on this podcast are those of the Guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Dee Moore or Kidney Care UK. Any content provided by our Guests are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.