For most patients,
dialysis is a battle against time. According to the National Kidney Foundation,
the average life expectancy on dialysis is five to ten years. But for Jay
Laing, that milestone came and went long ago. This year, he celebrates an
incredible 20 years of perseverance, strength, and the unwavering support for
his care team at the Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital.
Jay’s journey began
in March 2005 after a failed living-related donor kidney transplant. Faced with
the daunting reality of a lifetime of dialysis, he could have given in to
despair. But instead, he chose resilience. Jay was consistent in returning to
the hospital, forging bonds with the nurses and staff who would become his
second family.
In honor of Jay’s
incredible milestone, Aspirus Divine Savior Dialysis staff decorated the
patient’s treatment area last month to celebrate his 20 years of dialysis with
the rest of the team. But the highlight of the day came in the form of a simple
yet meaningful gesture. Each dialysis patient was given a cherry pie bar, Jay’s
favorite dessert, as a sweet tribute to his perseverance.
“Jay has had the
biggest impact on his longevity by attending all treatments, rearranging them
when needed, and running the whole time when on the machine,” says Ronda
Schmidt, Dialysis Supervisor. “He has also continued to enjoy things like being
in the volunteer fire department, planning vacations to Florida and
incorporating his treatments into those trips.”
Jay’s story
represents more than a medical milestone; it is a tribute to the power of
resilience, community, and the human spirit. As he looks forward to the year
ahead, his journey continues, fueled by hope and the unwavering support of
those at Aspirus Divine Savior who walk it with him.
Pictured Left to
Right: Crystal Hayes (RN), Emily Kraemer (Dietitian), Elaine Hagan (Certified
Clinical Hemodialysis Technician), Heather Mlodzik (RN), Jamie Herman (RN),
Genna Oren (Social Worker), Amanda Howard (Certified Clinical Hemodialysis
Technician)