At first glance, Amy’s bright smile and determined spirit don’t reveal the extraordinary journey she has traveled to get here.
Amy is a proud mother of two boys, a dialysis patient, a college student, a recovery advocate, and a woman rebuilding her life one step at a time, quite literally.
Years ago, after receiving a kidney transplant, Amy experienced a series of personal struggles that eventually led to addiction, declining health, and the heartbreaking loss of her transplanted kidney. Ashamed and overwhelmed, she stopped attending medical appointments and drifted further from the support she needed.
“I had given up on myself,” Amy shared honestly.
Her health deteriorated rapidly. Eventually, severe infection and sepsis led to the amputation of both of her legs above the knee. Doctors told her she might not survive.
But Amy did survive.
What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a journey of recovery. Supported by her family, healthcare providers, her dialysis team at Puget Sound Kidney Centers, and her own fierce determination, Amy committed herself to rebuilding her life.
She returned to dialysis consistently. She learned how to navigate life with prosthetic legs. She taught herself to walk again in just six months, far sooner than expected. She learned to drive independently and began setting goals for her future.
Today, Amy is thriving in ways she once had not thought possible.
She is pursuing college courses in addiction studies and human services, making the honor roll along the way. She has completed recovery coach training and now leads a women’s support group for individuals navigating recovery, homelessness, domestic violence, and other life challenges.
“I want people to know recovery is possible,” Amy said. “You can lose everything and still rebuild your life.”
Throughout her journey, Amy says dialysis care and the encouragement of those around her helped restore not only her health, but her confidence and sense of purpose.
Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is about more than medical treatment. It is about compassion, dignity, support, and believing in people even when they struggle to believe in themselves.
Today, Amy continues working toward another kidney transplant while raising her sons and helping others find hope in their own journeys.
And perhaps most importantly, she no longer defines herself by what she lost but by everything she fought to regain.
“We went in pretty scared,” Jerry recalls. “But from the very beginning, we had the absolute best care. They made me feel comfortable and treated me with such kindness all the way through.” Jerry and CeCe give high praise to all of the PSKC staff they have worked with, from Port Townsend clinic’s medical director Dr. Gill, to their “beautiful angel Joel, and the wonderful Nurse Vickie with her beautiful smile that greets us every time.”
2. Explore treatment options. Dialysis comes in different forms, including home dialysis and in-center dialysis. 
6. Find your community. Don’t think you need to go at this alone! With over half a million people on dialysis in the U.S. alone, there’s a vast community out there with valuable insights on treatment and kidney disease. Explore blogs, join online forums, or ask your center about local support groups. Connecting with others—whether online or in person—can make your transition to dialysis much easier.
For most people on dialysis at a clinic, treatment time is four to five hours—which can seem long and daunting. It’s natural to feel bored, tired, antsy, and irritable during dialysis. One of the best ways to combat these negative feelings is to make a plan before each treatment on how to use your time. Yes, you are in that chair for a long time. But there are plenty of activities you can do to keep yourself entertained, to feel productive, and to walk away after each treatment feeling like you used that time in the best way.
About the state-of-the-art center
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Dr. Ramon Anel has practiced for over 24 years, specializing in critical care medicine and nephrology. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine and completed his residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Anel currently practices with the Providence Medical Group in Olympia.
