Choosing to live happily: Michele’s journey with chronic kidney disease

When Michele Riso was just 13 years old, he began dialysis, embarking on a journey that would include countless hospital visits, multiple surgeries, and three kidney transplants. What began with fear, uncertainty, and the question “Why me?” gradually became a story of resilience, gratitude, and personal growth. Through every setback, Michele found strength in the unwavering support of his family and the care team who stood beside him from childhood through adulthood, helping him navigate decades of treatment while continuing to live life to the fullest.

Today, Michele continues to receive hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment. He credits his care team for helping him achieve an excellent quality of life despite the challenges he has faced. He describes the nurses and doctors at his dialysis center as family, noting that their empathy, encouragement, and commitment to his care have been just as important as the treatment itself. After more than 25 years of living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Michele has learned to focus on what matters most: The support of loved ones, the simple joys of everyday life, and the belief that challenges can be met with courage and positivity.

In this video, Michele reflects on his lifelong journey with CKD and shares a powerful message of hope for others facing similar challenges. For him, despite everything, life is still a wonderful thing, and there are always reasons to keep moving forward.