Welcome to KidneyTalk!

On this week’s show, Lori Hartwell and Stephen Furst speak with Sharon Pahlka, a truly remarkable woman who has been a kidney patient for three decades but has never let that stop her from doing the things she has wanted to do (even competitive water skiing, when she was a bit younger). She now helps others with chronic illnesses to “live their lives on purpose.”

Do you remember any of those cheers from your school days? How about “2-4-6-8... who do we appreciate!?” Or maybe, “Stephen, Stephen, he’s our man. If he can’t do it, no one can!” Those might be pretty dated cheers (Hey, quiet down with the chuckles!), but we do believe that having someone in your corner to cheer you on never goes out of style. And that’s exactly what this week’s guest believes also.

Sharon, a certified Life Coach and kidney patient for more than 32 years, coaches people who are interested in making changes in their lives. “My life coaching is based on making the best choices possible, doing the best you can, controlling the things you can control and influence, and letting go of the rest,” says Sharon. “A coach can help you identify your values and strengths while coming alongside of you and coaching you to victory.”

Sharon knows about the difficulties of life, as do we all. But she has this special insight into making changes for the better and achieving victory. In addition to life coaching, Sharon runs a support group for kidney patients and leads educational classes for people newly diagnosed with kidney disease. “When you have kidney disease, it’s just one more thing that makes life difficult,” says Sharon. “When I was first diagnosed, I thought my life was over. I blamed everything that happened in my life on my disease. But I found out that just wasn’t true. Everything is not just about kidneys,” adds Sharon. “Life is a gift.”

Stephen agrees: “I have firsthand experience, and I know, that people who have a will to live really do appreciate that life is a gift.”

Lori concurs: “People who have lived with kidney disease for a long time, and who have come to a certain contentment with it, know who they are, what they’re made of, and what they’re capable of doing. And that comes with a certain amount of strength.”

“I absolutely believe that we all have a contribution to make here on earth, and that we shouldn’t give up so easily,” offers Sharon. “When you reach out and help other people,” she adds, “you’re not focusing on your disease and you feel more valuable.”

So what is Sharon’s key tip for getting on the right track and coaching yourself to victory? It’s to “Really be aware of who you are and what makes your heart sing,” she says.

“2-4-6-8... who do we appreciate?” Lori, Stephen, Sharon, and all of the other kidney patients who are role models to us all, living positive, influential, and hopeful lives. Go Team!

For more information on life coaching, please visit lifeisagift.com.