Jessica Graham

My poem

Over the years I’ve heard many stories from people living with end stage kidney disease. As a dialysis nurse and a renal coordinator, I ensured I made time to have a yarn and learn something about my clients that wasn’t related  to their kidneys. 

I have written a poem about some of the amazing stories I’ve had the privilege to listen to but alas it’s in one of my moving boxes from Darwin and I am not prepared to dig it out to share to you all. 

So instead, I’ve written another piece about the strength of my clients. Please note is a very loose poem.. more just written word!! Here it is… I hope you enjoy.  

The sun rises and the lights turn on 

Shuffling of feet are heard 

Needles are laid out on procedure tables 

The machines turn green

Everyone knows their role 

Everyone knows the routine 

Life is pumped back into one’s blood 

The clock ticks away as one lives for another day 

This delicate dance is often overlooked 

The soul sitting in their chair invisible 

But when you stop and take a breath 

You’ll hear the most wonderful stories 

Stories of love, loss and humour 

Stories that should never be forgotten 

Remember these souls and their stories 

They look to you for hope 

Hope to be seen 

Hope for another day 

Hope for a moment to forget that they are in a room of beeping machines 

Remember them and their strength

For they will teach you what it is to live

Why am I running?

Why am I running for the red socks run? 

That’s an interesting question and surprisingly hard to answer. Kidney disease it seems has become a main character in my life story. It feels as if I have been destined to be an advocate and a fierce supporter for those living with kidney disease. In particular people with end stage kidney disease who require dialysis and kidney transplant. From meeting people living with end stage kidney disease desperately wanting to return to country during my nursing New Grad year in Alice Springs to travelling around the New England providing dialysis in small units to flying pregnant around East Arnhem Land supporting Yolngu to voice the change they want to see in kidney service delivery. In the last 9 years, Kidney disease has become my professional speciality. However, it’s also taken hold of my personal life in ways that I am not quite ready to share. 

But why am I running in October for Kidney Health Australia? 

I believe they provide professional support to those specialists like me. They also support individuals and families grappling with the fact that their loved ones have kidney disease. I am running for those who need support. The nurses that want to know what best practice care is. For families who have so many questions about the future. For those who want to know they’re not alone. 

I believe Kidney Health Australia offers a lot to medical services and clients. So much so I almost want to join their team to create more family friendly resources. To support individuals and families navigate their journey. To ensure we are doing everything possible to prevent CKD. 

I hope by running I can continue to contribute to creating positive change in kidney service delivery.