Mickey Sledge, 46, of Phoenix, Ariz., is a biological research technician and has worked for the federal government for 23 years. Mickey studies insects like the pink bow worm, which feeds on cotton plants. Thanks to the research Mickey works on, farmers can keep their cotton fields from being eaten without using pesticides.

When Mickey received his diagnosis of ESRD in 2000, he relied on the support of a Catholic bishop at the hospital where he was being treated to keep his spirits afloat. Then Mickey, who lives alone, returned to work as a way to keep his mind from focusing on his illness.

I try to keep myself on a positive note. Working helps me stay in tune with reality. It helps me stay less stressed out about my kidney disease.

Mickeys employer has been supportive of his dialysis scheduling needs, and Mickey has returned that support with his total effort. Apart from check-ups and appointments, he has never taken time off because of his kidney disease.

His passion for taking care of himself may lead to his next job. Mickey, who uses the exercise bike at his clinic to stay fit, is a regular volunteer for exercise equipment at dialysis conferences.

Id like to turn that into a full-time job someday, Mickey says. Id like to inspire other patients.