Episode 1: “I Choose to Live”: Dee Moore’s Kidney Warrior Origin Story

Diagnosed with Stage 4 CKD — Before Dialysis Began

 

Singer-songwriter, poet, actress, vlogger — and kidney warrior. In this powerful first episode, host Dee Moore shares the emotional and inspiring story behind Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast.

 

Recorded early in her journey — three years before she began dialysis — Dee opens up about the shock of being diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) after months of unexplained illness, a 7.5-week hospital stay with nightly fevers, and countless tests with no answers.

 

You’ll hear the moment she chose hope over fear, declaring “I choose to live.” This was the beginning of a journey that would later include starting dialysis — and creating a platform to help others facing kidney disease.

💚 In this episode:

• How a successful weight-loss journey led to an unexpected CKD diagnosis

• Hospital admissions, infections, and endless tests (CT, MRI, ultrasound, kidney biopsy)

• Steroid treatment that stopped relentless fevers but caused major side effects

• Facing the possibility of dialysis and transplant eligibility challenges

• The mindset shift that changed everything: “I choose to live.”

• Starting the Diary of a Kidney Warrior vlog and building community

• Finding strength through family, faith, and purpose

💬 Who this episode is for:

 

Anyone living with CKD: newly diagnosed with kidney disease, on dialysis, has a transplant or supporting a kidney warrior, or seeking hope, encouragement, and resilience through chronic illness.

Quote to remember: “I choose to live.”

 

If you have questions or topics you’d like covered, for updates and more,

 

Follow Dee Moore on:

Instagram @diaryofakidneywarrior

Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior

Twitter: @diaryofakidneyw

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw

 

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WhatsApp

 

‎Follow the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast (Kidney Health Podcast) channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r

 

Disclaimer:

This podcast shares lived experiences and information for general awareness. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team.

We’d love to hear from you!
Share your comments, questions, or suggestions—or let us know if you’d like to be a guest on the podcast—by emailing us at diaryofakidneywarrior@kidneycareuk.org
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