American Kidney Fund to Honor Meshia Adams, of Woodbridge

Adams has battled kidney disease for 18 years

The American Kidney Fund will honor Meshia Adams, of Woodbridge, as the “Hero of Hope” at its sixth annual gala, The Hope Affair, on Oct. 22, 2014, in Washington, D.C.

Adams is being recognized for her dedication to raising awareness for kidney disease in her community and across the nation.

“Meshia is a dedicated individual who has used her personal experience with kidney disease to help others who may be at risk,” said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. “Meshia has touched so many people through her website, Meshia’s Hope, her volunteer work with dialysis centers in her community, and her advocacy on Capitol Hill. Meshia is a remarkable woman who represents a true ‘Hero of Hope.’”

Adams has lived with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for over 18 years. She was diagnosed with kidney disease when she was 16 years old. At 17, her kidneys failed, and she began dialysis to survive. After four months on dialysis, she received a kidney transplant, which lasted for 15 years.

When the transplant failed in July 2010, Adams resumed dialysis treatment. In July 2012, her husband Rodney donated a kidney to her. During her time on dialysis, she also had two hip replacements due to medication she was required to take with her first transplant to prevent early rejection.

Her experience with kidney disease encouraged her to create Meshia’s Hope, a website dedicated to educating patients and those who may be at risk about kidney disease. She provides resources, commonly used kidney disease terms, and shares other patient’s stories.

In addition to her website, she frequently visits kidney patients at local dialysis centers, makes quilts for patients, and provides other volunteer resources.

Adams has also advocated for kidney disease awareness, education and legislation on Capitol Hill.

“I consider it to be a blessing to receive the 2014 Hero of Hope Award from the American Kidney Fund,” said Adams. “The work that I do helps others and the feeling I get from that is priceless. To be recognized for something I love doing is simply amazing.”

It is estimated that as many as 31 million Americans are living with CKD, the nation’s ninth-leading cause of death. In the Washington, D.C. area, the rates of death from kidney disease are above the national average. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of CKD, but there are other major risk factors including having a family history of the disease, having heart disease, being over age 60, and being of African American, Asian American, Native American or Hispanic ethnicity. Left undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and death.

Meshia and two other inspirational figures will be recognized at The Hope Affair on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The event, themed “Sharing the Journey,” is a celebration of the people who inspire us in the fight against kidney disease. The event will honor inspiring kidney patients and caregivers. Honorees and guests will enjoy performances by Howard University’s premier vocal jazz ensemble, Afro Blue.

For more information on the American Kidney Fund, visit kidneyfund.org.