March 10, 2026

Three times a week, Dr. Latash “Maurice” Nahanee, a Knowledge Keeper from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation based in North Vancouver, BC, spends about four hours connected to a dialysis machine. Over the past year, the life-sustaining treatment has become a regular part of his life.  

“Once everything is set up, I usually just lie there and relax,” he says. “But when you look around the room and see how sick some people are, it reminds you how serious kidney disease is.”  

Knowledge Keeper and artist Dr. Latash “Maurice” Nahanee

CKD affects 1 in 10 people worldwide and often progresses silently until life-saving treatments such as dialysis or transplantation become necessary. This year’s World Kidney Day theme — “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet “— highlights the importance of balancing patient-centred care with sustainable approaches to treatment. The campaign also includes a global call to action focused on prevention and early detection, equitable access to transplantation, and more sustainable kidney care. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring patient voices help guide the future of treatment. 

To explore these priorities through lived experience, we spoke with two people whose journeys reflect both the challenges and possibilities of kidney care. 

Life on dialysis  

Like many dialysis patients, Latash finds the treatment not only physically draining, but also emotionally challenging. Seeing other people coping with serious complications from kidney disease reinforces how important it is to stay vigilant about health.   

What has made the biggest difference for Latash is the support from his health care team.  

“The nurses and doctors treat you like a human being, not just a medical case,” he says. “That makes a big difference when you’re going through something like dialysis.”   

Latash is currently on the transplant waiting list, and despite the challenges posed by dialysis, hope remains central to his journey.   

“The call could come at any time,” he says. “So, you stay hopeful.” 

Life after transplant  

Bonnie Corradetti’s journey with kidney disease spans decades. After being diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), the retired nurse from Calgary, Alberta, spent 10 years on dialysis before receiving a successful kidney transplant in 2015.  

“I was shocked and delighted when I received the call,” she recalls. “But there were also so many adjustments—new medications, new routines, and learning how to protect my immune system.”  

Patient partner and retired nurse Bonnie Corradetti

For years, dialysis shaped nearly every aspect of her daily life. Managing home hemodialysis required significant planning, equipment, and supplies.  

“It was almost like a full-time job,” Bonnie explains. “You’re managing the machine, the treatments, and the deliveries of supplies.”  

After her transplant, daily routines changed dramatically. While there were new responsibilities—such as strict medication schedules and ongoing monitoring—the transplant also brought greater freedom.  

“Suddenly I had much more time in my day,” she says. “It gave me the ability to travel more easily and regain a sense of normal life.”  

Even years later, Bonnie says she still feels profound gratitude.  

“It really is a gift of life.”  

The environmental cost of treatment  

Dialysis saves lives, but it comes at a cost.  

The process requires significant resources, including water, energy, and medical supplies. Bonnie remembers the volume of materials around her during her time on home hemodialysis.  

“There were boxes and boxes of supplies—plastic tubing, packaging, disposable equipment,” she says. “You become very aware of how much material is involved.”  

While sustainability is an important consideration, both patients emphasize that safety and access to treatment must remain the top priority.  

“At the end of the day, dialysis is what keeps people alive,” Latash says.  

Increasing access to kidney transplants may also help reduce reliance on resource-intensive dialysis treatments. Bonnie believes greater awareness about organ donation could make a meaningful difference.  

“If more transplants were available, fewer people would need dialysis,” she says. “That would improve quality of life for patients and help reduce the environmental impact of treatment.”  

Why early detection matters  

Both patients stress the importance of prevention and early detection. CKD often develops without symptoms, meaning simple blood and urine tests can play a critical role in identifying kidney problems before serious damage occurs.  

Looking back, Latash believes education and awareness could help many people protect their kidney health earlier in life. “I wish I’d learned about kidney health sooner,” he reflects. “In our community, the value of Chénchenstway—supporting one another—reminds me how important it is to share knowledge and help families look after their kidney health early.” Regular screening and education can help families protect kidney health early, especially in high-risk or underserved communities. 

“Diet and lifestyle make a big difference,” he says. “We need to make sure families and kids learn about healthy eating and kidney health early on.”  

For Indigenous communities in particular, he notes that returning to traditional diets and raising awareness about kidney health may help reduce future risk.  

Patient voices driving change  

Beyond sharing their stories, both patients are committed to helping others facing kidney disease. Bonnie has become involved in patient advocacy and research, volunteering as a Patient Advisor on Alberta Health Kidney Care projects and a nephrology research group at the University of Calgary. In these roles, she works alongside clinicians and researchers to ensure patient perspectives are reflected in efforts to improve kidney care.  

By sharing their experiences, patients like Bonnie and Latash help shape a more compassionate, effective, and sustainable future for kidney care.  

As we mark World Kidney Day, their stories remind us that kidney health is not only a medical issue—it is deeply human. Listening to patient voices, strengthening prevention efforts, and ensuring equitable access to treatment are all essential to building a healthier future for people living with kidney disease.