by Anna Kaschner
I was suddenly diagnosed with Kidney Disease in 2005, with no prior health issues and nothing chronic in my entire family history. It devastated me at the time, but over the 5 years I spent on Peritoneal Dialysis, I learned to become empowered to stay healthy by eating right, staying active, and keeping a positive mindset. I became a yoga instructor to help empower others, and in October of 2009 I had a kidney transplant — at age 30.
Now, it is nearly 1 year after my surgery, and I am in the best shape of my life. I lift kettlebells twice a week, bike, hike, rock-climb, walk, and love to work out at the local gym with my husband, who is also a full-time rock-climber. I do Iyengar Yoga in the winter to stay loose and maintain that positivity in both body and mind. This summer was the first time I could wear a 2-piece swimsuit that bared my midriff- before, 
I had the tube form my dialysis under my bellybutton, and was too self-conscious to show my belly in public. I ordered the Summer Fun bikini suit from Athleta earlier this summer, and have rocked it all season long so far, feeling totally at home in it, in my own skin, and in my newly healthy and recovered body.
I currently have plans to train for my first triathlon, hopefully I can complete it next year, and look forward to fall camping with my sweetie in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. I want to stand as an example to all women, those that are healthy and those with health challenges alike, that beauty comes from within.
Truly inspiring! I just trained and completed my first triathlon. Enjoy! It is a blast. I love reading about woman who have endured trial and come away from it even stronger! You rock girlie.
Like:
0
Wow! It’s nice to know that there’s someone else that didn’t just crawl in a hole… best of luck in your triathlon training. I had a severe brain injury 11/08, due to a car accident. I can swim with no problem (former competetive swimmer and coach), I got training wheels for my bike (Trek), and I’m holding on to a treadmill and running – hopefully my ‘balance’ issue will improve with time. Are you on a lot of meds at this point? Steroids, etc. for rejection? Keep up your training!
Like:
0
Best Wishes with your future goals. I completed in my first Tri last year after having ankle surgery and spending my entire summer in a wheelchair then was hospitalized for having 3 DVT (blood clots). I’m now training for my first marathon in Chicago on 10.10.10! Thanks for your inspiring story.
Like:
0
I love your positive outlook and determination! Good luck to you in your training… I have no doubt that you can do it!
Like:
0
WOW! What an amazing story! You are a complete inspiration to all of us! And congratulations on chosing triathlon as your next challenge. I am a bit biased, but I think triathlon is THE best sport ever! I am still working my way back to running after a bad ski accident in Jan 2008, so I can return to triathlon. And isn’t our life so much more enriched by meeting our challenges head on? Look forward to hearing more about your successes!
Like:
0
Anna!
SO inspiring! Thankyou for sharing your story!
I live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and there is a really great triathlon here called the Copperman Triathlon in Copper Harbor, Michigan. It was two weeks ago, and my second time participating. See you there next August? Hands down best race event I’ve ever done.
Hope you enjoy our rockin’ fall colors, we always love them. Sounds like you are living like this is the first day of your life, and that deserves a standing applause.
Aren’t the Porkies great? Good pic.
All the best~
Like:
0
Way to go Anna. You do inspire! (Me and I’m sure many others) ALOHA!!!
Like:
0
Wow. You could have gone limp and said ‘poor me’ but instead you empowered yourself! I love it. Keep up the wonderful spirit!
Like:
0
You are very inspiring to all women especially those with kidney disease. I work as a NP with kidney patients including those post transplant and it’s always nice to hear the upside of taking care of chronic disease patients. Thank you for sharing your story.
Like:
0
Thanks for the inspiration.
Like:
0