Lila, a vibrant young girl living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diagnosed with stage 4 CKD in early 2025, Lila then within a few months reached stage 5 and started dialysis 3 times a week. She is in the process of being tested at Emory to be placed on the kidney transfer waitlist . 
 

But her story began long before this.

As an infant, Lila battled vesicoureteral reflux—a condition causing frequent urinary tract infections. After two surgeries, she was symptom-free for years. Then in 2021, post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) changed everything, leading to a diagnosis of stage 2 CKD. Despite every preventative effort, her condition progressed: stage 3b in 2024, and now stage 4.

The chronic fatigue, a symptom of CKD, is now preventing Lila from attending school. We are so blessed to attend such an incredible school system that is helping Lila complete her freshman year online. Unfortunately, this fatigue has also prevented Lila from completing this season of competition dance with Studio South Dance Academy. We are extremely grateful for her supportive dance instructors and dance team!

Lila’s journey is not just her own—it’s a window into the realities of countless others facing CKD. Through this page, Lila hopes to shed light on what it’s really like to live with kidney disease as a teenager, along with raising awareness, and offering support to those affected by kidney disease.

Follow Lila as she navigates the challenges ahead with strength, hope, and a heart full of determination. Together, we can make a difference.

#KidneyDiseaseAwareness #TeenWarrior #ChronicIllnessJourney