Three years ago Joe Marczak nervously faced the prospect of dialysis for his kidney disease. The Toms River, N.J., resident was apprehensive that the diagnosis would mean that he would be homebound, unable to enjoy all his former favorite activities. He quickly found that wasn’t the case.

In a short time, Joe got back to his busy schedule. He even traveled with his wife Irene to visit family in Virginia over the Thanksgiving holiday. Two months before the trip, Joe worked with his social worker to make arrangements to have dialysis treatments at a center close to his daughter’s house.

The process proved to be so easy that Joe regularly advises dialysis patients not to hesitate to travel.

"I gave my social worker all the travel information. She contacted the clinic and sent them my medical records, and then I was all set," Joe says. "The clinic was very nice and accommodating." He plans to travel southward again, possibly for a grandchild’s upcoming birthday.

Joe also keeps active as the president of the local American Polish Club, which promotes social activities and Polish traditions among its members. He and his wife plan outings and monthly dinner-dances for the club. The group is looking forward to an upcoming day trip to Philadelphia.

Joe also eagerly serves as a mentor for other dialysis newcomers. "If they know they’re going on dialysis, I tell them to read up as much as they can. Finding out the answers to all your questions really puts your mind to rest."

A cheerful and outgoing patient, Joe is quick with a joke for his caregivers. He believes his good attitude is the key to healing. "If I had to give a speech to newcomers, I would say that attitude is important. You have to keep yourself occupied while you’re there: Read a book, do crosswords puzzles, watch TV."

Be kind to your caregivers, too, he says. "Go in with an attitude that they’re keeping you alive. Appreciate the job that they’re doing."