THE ADVOCACY HUB

Tag: support system

  • Small Habits, Big Consequences: How Everyday Choices Affect Your Kidneys.

    Small Habits, Big Consequences: How Everyday Choices Affect Your Kidneys.

    Happy Independence Day, Ghana 🇬🇭

    As we celebrate freedom as a nation, it’s also a good time to remember that our health is a kind of freedom too.

    Most people think kidney failure comes suddenly.

    But the truth?

    It often begins quietly…

    with everyday habits we don’t even notice.

    Now let’s talk about the things we do every day…

    that quietly stress our kidneys.

    Because it’s not always something dramatic.

    Sometimes it’s the “normal” things.

    Not drinking enough water.

    Living on painkillers for every small ache.

    Ignoring high blood pressure.

    Uncontrolled diabetes.

    Too much salt.

    Too many processed foods.

    Herbal mixtures we don’t even know the ingredients of.

    Holding urine for long periods.

    Skipping routine check-ups because “I feel fine.”

    Little habits.

    Big consequences over time.

    Your kidneys are strong.

    But they are not indestructible.

    And here’s the part many people don’t realize —

    Kidney failure is not only for the elderly.

    It’s not only for “sick” people.

    It’s not only for someone else.

    It can affect anyone.

    Children can be born with kidney conditions.

    Young adults can develop kidney disease from untreated infections or high blood pressure.

    Even people who look perfectly healthy can be at risk.

    Kidney disease does not check age before it shows up.

    That’s why awareness matters.

    Not panic.

    Not fear.

    Just responsibility.

    Know your blood pressure.

    Check your blood sugar.

    Ask for a kidney function test.

    Pay attention to your body.

    Because prevention is always easier than dialysis.

    And knowledge is always cheaper than regret.

    My name is Hilda Addo, and I’m your kidney disease advocate.

  • February Reflections: Holding On, Moving Forward

    February Reflections: Holding On, Moving Forward

    As February ends, let’s remember that protecting our kidneys is not only for this month — it’s a lifelong journey. So we keep going, step by step, day by day.

    To everyone going through something — maybe family pressure, work stress, or life’s struggles — hold on small. Breakthrough is coming, slow but sure.

    If you are walking the journey of diagnosis, whether kidney disease or any other chronic illness, remember that with God, all things are possible.

    If you are waiting for marriage or the fruit of the womb, don’t lose hope. God is still in the miracle business.

    And to those already living with chronic disease or kidney failure, you are not alone. You are stronger than what you are facing. Don’t let the situation write your story for you.

    This month shouldn’t just end like that — let it leave impact in our lives and in how we take care of ourselves.

    Next month is Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and we go again, by God’s grace.

    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

    You are worth more than your current situation. Don’t give up.

    Blessed weekend ahead 🌿

    My name is Hilda Addo, and I’m your kidney disease advocate.

  • From Diagnosis to Determination

    From Diagnosis to Determination

    PART 1 — The Dreams I Started With

    Growing up, I had big dreams.

    Dreams so big I couldn’t imagine who I’d be if I didn’t reach them.

    So I studied hard. I planned carefully.

    I wanted to become someone I could look back on and say,

    “Well done, Dr Hilda. You made it.”

    But life had its own plans.

    “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”

     Jeremiah 29:11

    While I was still in school, I had already pictured my life ahead, university, success, the future I had carefully imagined.

    What I didn’t know was that life doesn’t always ask for permission before it redirects you.

    One thing I’ve learned on this kidney journey is this: it can be silent.

    No loud warnings. No obvious signs.

    Sometimes the quiet things we ignore are the ones that change everything.

    One day, my mum came to visit me.

    She looked at me closely and asked,

    “Hilda, are you okay?”

    I laughed it off.

    Mum, I’m fine. I just want to finish school, move forward, and make you proud.

    But life was already whispering a different story.

    I didn’t feel sick.

    Nothing felt wrong.

    The only thing that seemed off, I brushed aside as “normal.”

    Until one weekend at home, when everything shifted.

    A hospital visit.

    Concerned looks.

    Doctors asking questions that suddenly felt heavy.

    I remember sitting quietly, waiting for my mum, watching unfamiliar preparations unfold, and realizing that this wasn’t just a routine check.

    Today, when people hear my story, they’re often surprised that I’m living with kidney failure.

    But my response is simple:

    With God, all things are possible.

    That moment marked the beginning of a journey I never imagined, one that reshaped my dreams, my strength, and my purpose.

    And trust me…

    what came next changed everything.

    To be continued……

    My name is Hilda Addo, and I’m your kidney disease advocate.

  • Support Looks Different After Diagnosis.

    Support Looks Different After Diagnosis.

    Life After Diagnosis – When Friends and Family Are Diagnosed Too.

    Here’s the part no one prepares you for:

    When you’re diagnosed, your friends and family are diagnosed too, just

    differently.

    Some show up beautifully.

    Some go quiet.

    Some don’t know what to say and say nothing at all.

    It can hurt.

    Not because they don’t care,

    but because they don’t know how to carry what you’re carrying.

    I’ve learned to give grace where I can

    and boundaries where I must.

    Illness has a way of revealing people

    not to shame them, but to show you who can walk this road with you.

    Life after diagnosis teaches you this truth fast: support doesn’t always look how you imagined it would.

    And that’s okay.

    You grow.

    They grow.

    And somewhere in between, as patience and understanding grow, acceptance begins to take root.

    My name is Hilda Addo, and I’m your kidney disease advocate.