Local resident, artist credits new machine with saving his life

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Local resident, artist credits new machine with saving his life

Updated: Feb 9, 2008 07:26 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Local resident and artist Chad Gallion has struggled with kidney problems his entire life. After two failed kidney transplants the 31-year-old credits a new machine for saving his life.

"When you are chronically ill, it feels really good to be able to be independent," Gallion said.

He has painted for years. As you a look at some of his work, you'd never know this Indianapolis resident deals with a chronic illness every day.

Gallion was born with a rare kidney disease, "I went to Riley as a kid every six months."

Doctors told the Herron Art School graduate he would need a kidney transplant to live.

"When I was 17, they tested my family and my sister Tracey was the perfect match which is rare," Gallion said.

After 9 years, Gallion's body rejected his sister's kidney.  His mother was also a match and donated a kidney too, but it failed less than two years later.

"I wouldn't probably appreciate all the things that I do because of what I have to go through," Gallion said.

He credits the NxStage machine for saving his life. It's a portable dialysis machine he can use in at home

"It allows you to dialyze at home and you can dialyze six days a week which I can testify it makes for a huge difference in how I feel," Gallion explained.

It's precious time Gallion says he can spend doing what he loves, "I'm trying to connect to other people.

Gallion has an art studio in his downtown apartment. Every where you look he has paintings from his imagination.

He says he hopes his artwork helps inspires others to live their lives to their fullest.

"Hardship can really bring about just appreciation for life and a desire to live even more and that most people might think well I couldn't do that, but once you're there you'll find a way," Gallion said.

You can see Chad Gallion's art at the Herron School of Art's Basile Gallery until Monday.  The gallery is located on the main floor of Eskenazi Hall.

By Daniel Miller
WISH-TV

http://www.wishtv.com/global/story.asp?s=7849168