A retired locksmith from the University of Akron, Michael Wilson follows his children's activities with great pride. Son Revawn is a linebacker for the Walsh University Cavaliers, and Michael never misses a game. With wife Renee at his side providing play-by-play commentary, Michael records every block, every pass, every touchdown. Daughter Shayna, a high school junior, inspires area churches with weekly gospel music concerts. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Michael becomes a student himself, completing an undergraduate degree in hospitality management, which he plans to put into practice by opening a barbeque ribs business. And three times a week, for up to five hours each day, Michael undergoes dialysis.

Legally blind from diabetes, Michael also suffers from end-stage renal disease kidney failure. He is one of more than 16,500 patients who last year received a total of 2.4 million treatments at Renal Care Group's facilities.  Like thousands of other patients, dialysis has allowed him to maintain a full and active lifestyle.  Our leading-edge technology and dedicated staff of caring professionals combine to afford a quality of life that just a few years ago would have been unthinkable.

"Even my family couldn't take better care of me," Michael said, "and that's the highest compliment I can give anyone. I can't say enough good things about the Renal Care staff because they really care about my well-being and they keep me alive." 

In the end, that's what matters most. A handful of dialysis patients will ultimately receive a kidney transplant, but for the majority, dialysis is an ongoing part of daily life. Fortunately, for Michael and other Renal Care patients like him, it's a lifestyle of vibrancy, spirit and fullness.