Kidney Patient "Iron Man" Inspires Others

[okarol]

Kidney Patient "Iron Man" Inspires Others

Aug 23, 2007 05:12 PM

He's a man with a serious kidney disorder, who doesn't let his ailment slow him down.

In fact, Shad Ireland travels the country inspiring others. The young man from Minnesota visited with dialysis patients at a medical center in Biloxi on Thursday.

Ireland uses his personal story to motivate others. He's the only dialysis patient to ever compete in and finish an "iron man" triathlon.

The medical community said it wasn't possible, but Ireland proved them wrong by competing in the grueling event that includes a two-point-four mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and a 26 mile run.

"People look at me and they see that I've been on kidney dialysis for 25 years," said Ireland, "And they see that I'm a professional athlete doing this crazy thing called "iron man" and they feel like, 'wow, if Shad can do this, maybe I can get up and walk to my mail box or I can play with my grand children.'"

During the worst of his illness, Ireland's weight dropped from 145 to just 75 pounds.

He says he hopes to inspire the 5,000 dialysis patients in Mississippi to live healthier, happier lives.

By Steve Phillips

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6975316

[Romona]

A friend just gave me his book. It is very inspiring. His foundation is wonderful. 

[Black]

Does anyone know what is different about his life and health care that enables him to have the energy and stamina to do this?

[angela515]

Does anyone know what is different about his life and health care that enables him to have the energy and stamina to do this?

Was thinking the same thing... Unfortnately, not every dialysis patient can have that type of energy, no matter what. So nobody should feel like they are not doing their best just because he's doing so much.. he's an individual and we all are different.

[goofynina]

I thank God for just allowing me to walk fast enough to make it to the damn toilet,     this guy is amazing, i would love to accomplish just a fraction of what he has done 

[BigSky]

Does anyone know what is different about his life and health care that enables him to have the energy and stamina to do this?

He does dialysis every other day thus getting in one extra session every other week.  He runs a  URR of 98%.  However that does not account for it all because his hemoglobin is only 9.5.   So the exercise regime itself plays a good part of it to I would venture to guess.

[George Jung]

A healthy dose of will and determination? 

[kitkatz]

I get up every day and go to work with special education kids.  That is my committment to use my education and knowledge to teach children.  Where is my acknowledgments and kudos?

[okarol]

I get up every day and go to work with special education kids.  That is my committment to use my education and knowledge to teach children.  Where is my acknowledgments and kudos?

 
We worship and adore you Kit!

How's that???

[Romona]

KitKatz, you are a hero. All teachers deserve more respect and praise. 

[Sluff]

Kitkatz,                  

[Zach]

A healthy dose of will and determination? 

Right on, George!

And add to that resilience.
 

To understand his struggles as a person on dialysis, you need to read more of his story.

"After awakening from the coma, Shad spent one year recovering from the failed transplant."
http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Against-the-Odds/

Shad Ireland:
"I spent six weeks in March 1993 in the hospital in and out of a coma. I went from 145 to 90 pounds because my kidney was rejecting."
http://www.davita.com/dialysis/c/64

"I have overcome much adversity to get to this point in my life, multiple surgeries, 2 failed kidney transplants and numerous hospitalizations."
http://www.renalweb.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000053.html