On any given day, you might see Bob Crabtree teaching a class on how to make low-sodium sourdough bread as part of our CKD education program, leading an online support group for kidney patients, or presiding over a PSKC Foundation Board meeting to discuss ways to raise funds for PSKC and our patients. Recently retired from a 38- year career as a mechanic, Bob works tirelessly for people with kidney disease.

“Having a deadly chronic disease is terrifying to think about, let alone live,” he says. “If I had to deal with this alone, I’m not sure my outcome would have been as positive as it has.”

Diagnosed with polycystic kidneys as a child, Bob learned early on that his kidneys would likely fail in the future.“When you’re told at age 12 that you won’t live to see 50, you don’t take anything for granted.”

For Bob, education, preparation and the support of his family and friends were key in helping him manage his kidney disease, dialysis and eventual transplant. “My wife, Robin, along with my father and mother were very supportive. I was lucky to have a support system in place.”

Bob fondly remembers the support he received from a fellow patient during his first dialysis treatment—a simple act of kindness when he needed it most that ignited his lifelong desire to help other kidney patients. When asked why he works so hard, Bob says, “I’m happy to pay forward the gifts of kindness that have been given to me.”