CKD PATIENT CELEBRATES 40 YEARS LIVING WITH DIALYSIS | FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE
Dialyzing for 40 years is no small feat. In fact, itĢýs just two years shy of the current world record. Celia Kanter, 78, celebrates this milestone surrounded by her Fresenius Kidney Care team, family and friends. The secret to CeliaĢýs success? She credits her positive attitude and a strong will that keeps her motivated.
CeliaĢýs kidneys failed when she was 30 years old. At the time, she was marriedwitha two-month-old daughter. When doctors said she wouldnĢýt live past her daughterĢýs 10th birthday, Celia decided to take her health into her own hands.
ĢýI read every medical book I could find,Ģý Celia said. ĢýYou can manage your dialysis well if you pay attention and know whatĢýs best for your.Ģý
When Celia began treatments in 1978, dialysis options were limited. She chose, but the center was only open during the day while she was at work. Since Celia was scheduled to receive treatments three times a week for four hours each time, she had to retire from her teaching career opting to work several odd jobs to accommodate her dialysis schedule.
Celia was thrilled when her center began offering dialysis during the evenings. She knew she could finally search for a permanent career. Celia went back to school taking tax classes. Ultimately, Celia owned her own business for 27 years and handled very complex taxes for companies. ĢýMy business meant the world to me,Ģý Celia said. ĢýAnd thanks to my treatment schedule at Fresenius Kidney Care at night, I never missed a day of work. I would even bring myto dialysis treatments and crunch numbers while in my chair.Ģý
Celia worked until she was 72, stopping only to focus on a breast cancer diagnosis that she beat a few years later.
ĢýEven while facing health struggles, Celia never lets go of her spunk and love for life,Ģý said Mary Lou Ellis, a social worker at.
CeliaĢýs care team admires her commitment to her health and says her positive attitude is contagious and an inspiration to other patients.
ĢýI always walk into my center with a smile on my face,Ģý Celia said. ĢýMy care team is wonderful, and IĢým honored to be someone that other patients look up to.Ģý
Recently, CeliaĢýs center hosted ahonoring herfour-decade longdialysis journey.
ĢýI want people to know that I believe you can live at least 50 productive years on dialysis as long as you educate yourself, understand your blood tests, maintain a strict diet and have a positive attitude,Ģý Celia said.
In her free time, Celia enjoys playing bridge, going to lunch with friends and spending time with her daughter.
ĢýMy mom hasbeatthe odds and then some,Ģý said CeliaĢýs daughter, Caryn Schultz. ĢýEvery day I have with her is a blessing, especially since I didnĢýt think sheĢýd make it past my 10th birthday.Ģý
