Fighting disease brings community together

Ten years ago, my dad was given the best gift imaginable - a new kidney. This gift was given to our family by Kris Bodendick, a family friend who gave so much without asking for anything in return.

This was a blessing from God because I finally had my dad back. Kevin Fowler was no longer bogged down and tired from fighting this terrible illness; he re-emerged as the energetic, crazy and silly guy that I knew him to be.

The disease that my dad battled with for over four years was polycystic kidney disease (PKD). It is a disease that runs in my family and has inflicted an immense amount of pain upon the ones that I love.

To my family and me, though, PKD is much more than just a disease, but rather a community. I grew up in Elmhurst attending walks for the PKD Foundation that my mom organized and being surrounded by others impacted by the disease. These people and experiences inspired me to be a compassionate, generous and loving person.

My two greatest inspirations through it all have been my dad and mom. My dad is the strongest and most courageous man that I know; he has never let obstacles deter him from being there for his family.

My mom is equally the strongest and most courageous woman that I know; she is the one who has always held it together and been a shoulder to lean on through this whole journey.

I am so proud of my family and the obstacles that we have overcome, and the ones that we have yet to face. My dad never let his illness define him or inhibit him from living each day to the fullest.

Life is such a fragile and uncertain thing that should be cherished and respected. My dad used to ingrain into my brother and I this philosophy: "Everyday is a gift; don't waste it crying, wishing, hoping, but living."