More than one in every seven individuals in the United States is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). This condition leads to a gradual loss of kidney function, and at a certain stage, invasive renal replacement therapies such as dialysis or kidney transplantation become necessary for survival. People of color are disproportionately impacted by CKD, making up a significant portion of those affected. My research aims to uncover the lived experiences of individuals with CKD, particularly among people of color, to better understand their perspectives and foster supportive environments for them. These photos, shared by our participants using photo elicitation methods, illustrate the dual nature of their CKD journey, highlighting both its positive and negative aspects. The visible scars represent the intense physical distress endured by patients. In contrast, the clasped hands symbolize the community and support system formed through shared experiences of dealing with CKD, fostering resilience in this challenging journey. The English translation of a Spanish-speaking participant’s words is: “These are our fistulas... thanks to those scars, which may grow or fade, we stand resilient.”
