Man On Dialysis Races Without Kidneys

Nine years ago sports were the way of life for Munhall resident, Brad Davern.

“I've always been pretty involved in athletics through high school and college,”said Davern, “I played basketball.”

One day in 2001, the Bethany College basketball player realized that something was wrong.

“I was coughing up blood for two weeks,” said Davern, “I couldn't run up and down the court in basketball games.”

After testing and a kidney biopsy Brad found out his kidneys were no longer working.

“Brad has an immune disease which affects blood vessels," said Dr. Brian Krull, kidney specialist, "It particully affects the lungs and the kidneys." Dr. Krull says when patients have this disorder they generally feel run down, and have aches. And, if it is left untreated it will lead to kidney disease which leads to dialysis.

So now instead of shooting free throws, Brad was getting shot with dialysis treatments. He was told a kidney transplant was his best option. His his sister was a match.

"After about a week at home I started throwing up and having a fever, so i was having a rejection," said Davern.

Brad got to keep the kidney for about 6 months, but eventually it had to be removed. Brad's sister has no regrets.

"I'm glad I did it, if i had another one to donate I'd do it again," said Megan Davern, "Just so he could get off this and get back to his normal life."

Brad's second transplant came in April 2006. It only lasted nine days.

"I ended up getting real sick," said Davern, "I was back on dialysis again."

So with no working kidneys a difficult ritual began. Brad had threedays of dialysis. He would often then deal with fatigue and nausea.

"After the second one failed I thought I might have to be on dialysis for the rest of my life," said Davern, "So I'd better start trying to make the best of this situation so I could move on.

Moving on for this former athlete meant finding ways to work out and get motivated again.

"I went to a kidney walk in 2007 and I met Shad Ireland," said Davern, "He asked me if I wanted to be on his Team Ireland-they run triathlons."

Three years later, Brad has completed three triathlons. That means swimming 1/4 mile, biking 15 and running over 3 miles. He has also raised thousands of dollars for charity while doing it.

Brad's family saw Ireland, a dialysis patient himself, as an inspiration for him. One way Brad has been able to feel good enough to compete is through home dialysis five days a week. By doing this frequent home treatment, it more closely mimics the natural function of the kidneys.

"It is less strain to the heart," said Kelley Berton, R.N. with DaVita Healthcare," The patient has better blood pressure, diet, they sleep better and it eliminates coming to the center 3 times a week." Berton says its also easier to travel, because patients can take the machine with them.

As a dialysis patient Brad has to monitor ever ounce of water he consumes. He is thankful to now be back on his game, and he hopes to inspire others to do the same!

"You got to remember they are only obstacles they aren't barriers, so they can always be overcome," said Davern,"If you put your mind to it, and you believe in yourself, there's no other end all but success- you always succeed!"

Brad is back on the transplant list waiting. He says it could be 3-4 years before another match will be found. Meanwhile, Brad is now on the search for sponsors so that he can keep racing. His ultimate goal is to complete an ironman race, a 140-mile-long triathlon.