Kidney walk unites survivors, family, friends

Don’t tell Blake Stiles to take it easy, because this is a young man in perpetual motion, despite two kidney transplants.

Blake was born with only one partially functioning kidney, which eventually failed. Before he was 4 years old, he was already in dialysis and received his first transplant in 2011.

The new kidney soon developed problems. Two infusions of the chemo drug Retuxin as a last-ditch effort to save the kidney did not, and by 2015 Blake was once again on peritoneal dialysis. Later that year, the Merritt Island fourth grader at MILA Elementary received his second kidney transplant.

Immediately after his transplant, he was taking about 20 pills or liquids of eight different medications daily. Though the number of pills has since gone down to six a day, Blake will have to take anti-rejection medication for the rest of his life.

You would think all these vicissitudes would have slowed down Blake’s life. You would be wrong. The 11-year-old boy and his new kidney are thriving, possibly because through it all, Blake had way too many other interests to give up.

“Blake has always been a bit of a live wire, full of vitality,” said his mother, Traci Stiles. “His entire life has been full of energy. When he was at his sickest moments, all he wanted to do was go to the playroom at the hospital. The doctor called him a superhuman.”

Blake, like the many kidney recipients, donors and family members will be present at the May 13 Cocoa Beach Footprints in the Sand Kidney Walk. All are superheroes who personally know the value of the gift of life.

Palm Bay daughter, 19, donates kidney to ailing father

The walk was founded by Billy Hahn and the late Richard Salick, both professional surfers struck by kidney disease. Participants walk, talk and share their stories, bonding over trials, tribulations and triumphs.

“We educate, motivate and participate not only in the public awareness of kidney disease but in the political and governmental practices and policies that affect our quality of life,” said Hahn.

Kidney recipient Darvece Munson will fly in from Chicago to attend the walk. The fact the event occurs over Mother’s Day weekend holds special significance for Munson, who developed pregnancy-induced hypertension and preclampsia during her pregnancy with her only child. The conditions led to dialysis for 21 months and a kidney transplant just six weeks ago.

“The walk is huge and symbolic on so many levels for me and my family,” Munson said.

Speaking at the event will be Dee Hill, mom of kidney donor Cora Hill, who was born with cystic fibrosis and received a lung transplant at age 20. Cora died when her lungs failed 18 months later, but not before expressing her wish to be an organ donor.

“She chose the gift of life,” said Dee Hill.

One in three Americans are at risk for kidney disease, in part because of the significant increase in two major kidney disease risk factors — diabetes and high blood pressure.

Walk raises money for National Kidney Foundation

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans suffer from kidney disease. Approximately 100,000 currently need a kidney transplant, but fewer than 17,000 will receive them. The need for organ donors remains critical, because every day, 13 individuals die waiting for a new kidney.

On May 13, Blake, Darvece and Dee will get together and in their own unique way help to raise hope and funds for kidney patients.

Join the Walk this Saturday

The public is invited to participate in the Cocoa Beach Footprints in the Sand Kidney Walk, part of the National Kidney Foundation’s largest walk to fight kidney disease. Approximately 100 communities participate in this event, which raises awareness and helps fund programs for patients and their families.

The event begins at the Cocoa Beach Pier with the 8:30 a.m. Richard Salick Inaugural Circle of Life Paddleout Sunrise Service and continues with events such as beach Zumba and a kids’ sandcastle contest. The walk begins at 10 a.m.

For more information, call 321-784-5661 or visit facebook.com/CocoaBeachKidneyWalk.