More than 380,000 Americans undergo kidney dialysis, but many of them still find ways to stay active.

Although Buckhannon resident Diane Wright's kidneys failed five years ago due to high blood pressure her passion for the outdoors remains strong.

Kidney failure has not slowed down Diane Wright. She still enjoys her favorite activities, and maintaining her four acre farm. Once a month, she visits a dialysis clinic in Weston for lab work and appointments, but she receives treatments seven days a week while she sleeps at her home through a system that cleans the blood within her body.

"It started bringing the poisons out my body, and everything started feeling better basically just follow directions of the doctor and the nurses, and everything makes you feel better," said Wright.

Because Wright was proactive about her health care she has been recognized as one of 20 champions in motion nationwide by Fresenius Medical Care. David Ferguson is the clinical manager at the Weston location.

"The thing she does on a day to day basis I just found phenomenal for anyone, let alone a dialysis patient, and I thought she would be a perfect patient for this nomination," said Ferguson.

Ferguson said that Diane has become a role model for those with kidney failure, proving that dialysis is not a curse.

"It doesn't have to be as frightening as you think it is, it's not the end of things it's a beginning," Ferguson said.

"People who have kidney failure don't give up hope on it, just go do your treatments, and follow your instructions and you'll do fine, just don't sit down and give up on things," said Wright.

Wright is currently on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.

In the meantime she will continue maintaining an active lifestyle while getting these treatments at home.

For more information you can also call 304-269-5147.

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