Paddling Grand River On Dialysis

Updated: 3:04 AM Jul 18, 2010
Paddling Grand River On Dialysis
Once every 10 years, about a hundred kayakers paddle there way down the Grand River. But this time, one of those paddlers is raising money for a cause near to his heart.
Posted: 6:56 PM Jul 17, 2010
Reporter: John Lund
Email Address: john.lund@wilx.com
Paddling Grand River on Dialysis

Erich Ditschman is not your average kayaker. The 45-year-old from East Lansing is on dialysis after his kidneys failed him 10 years ago.

"I was walking to class one day and I realized my shoes didn't fit. That's when i realized there was a problem," Ditschman said.

The problem- Ditschman had kidney disease.

"Initially, i figured, okay- it's bad- i'm going to get a transplant, i'm going to go back to work, i'm going to go back to my life," Ditschman said.

But the kidney his wife gave him was not a match, and he's spent the past ten years on dialysis.

"It's a pretty big change of life to have a fistula in your arm and have needles put in and get your blood cleaned all the time," Ditschman said.
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To celebrate his 10 years on dialysis, Ditschman is combining his love for the water while hoping to raise $20,000 for kidney health research and programs.

"I've got about $11,000," Ditschman said. "I've had people give $5, I've had some folks gave $1,000, $500, $250, some are [from] local businesses from here in Lansing and some are more dialysis-related. I'm trying to reach that goal, maybe not by the time i'm done, but by the end of this summer."

Ditschman also paddles to show that being on dialysis doesnt have to mean an end to normal activities.

"Life doesnt end," Ditschman said. "You might feel like it did, because life as you know it did, but you can reformat that life and make a great life out of it."

Ditschman's 225-mile journey down the Grand River will continue until he gets to Lake Michigan, July 26.

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