During 30 years as a health educator and patient advocate, I've learned two important lessons. The first is that my patients teach me more than I could ever teach them. I dispense information, they live the disease. They teach courage, generosity, the will to survive, comradeship, patience, the ability to adjust, forbearance, and gratitude. On any given day, I'm struck with wonder at how they manage and how they rise above the challenges of a life-threatening disease. Those of us who devote our time to support patients with kidney disease are truly blessed—we get to feel good about our work as we witness their incredible journeys. The second lesson is that good health is a gift to be appreciated every day. Honoring that gift takes time and effort. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, drinking extra water, and keeping medical appointments may seem like a chore when wellness is taken for granted. However, looking at healthy habits from the standpoint of those who've lost good health puts everything in a different light. That's why I believe so strongly in education, prevention, and early detection. Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading causes of kidney failure, but both present few symptoms until they're advanced. That's why it's important for people to know their numbers. Regular check-ups are part of health maintenance and patients should always ask about their blood pressure and glucose results. When people walk around thinking they're healthy, but really have undiagnosed diabetes or high blood pressure, they may have already damaged their kidneys as well as other vital organs. Even when they're aware of a diagnosis, many patients don't know about its impact on the kidneys. Many people are shocked to learn that when they suddenly feel sick, they're already in kidney failure and have to make decisions about dialysis and transplant. These are the patients who have inspired my commitment to early detection. Those of us who devote our time to support patients with kidney disease are truly blessed—we feel good about our work as we witness their incredible journeys. At every screening, we find people who never realized that they were at risk for kidney disease or that their diabetes or hypertension was out of control. One gentleman in his 30s, who looked like a professional athlete, had a blood pressure reading of 220/90. Clearly he was at risk for a stroke in addition to kidney disease. His wife was so grateful that we could give them this information and guide them to immediate care. Another young woman had a glucose reading of higher than 400. She had no idea that she had diabetes. Although it ran in her family, she was so slim that it never occurred to her that she might have it, too. Her sister took her to the nearest emergency room after expressing heartfelt appreciation. Another gratifying moment is when participants at a screening pull out cell phones to call family members to invite them to come, understanding that if they're at risk, so are their family members. There have been several instances when friends or family left the screening to go pick up someone else. Stories like these make me feel as if I've accomplished something very real. The satisfaction is indescribable. It's wonderful to see the response of community partners and volunteers, too. Student nurses and physician assistants express their pleasure at having the opportunity to work one-on-one with participants. It not only allows them to use their new skills, but it brings home the message that early intervention is the key in most healthcare issues. Physicians who volunteer as consultants are happy to spend time educating participants without the pressure of their office and appointment schedules. Another positive factor is the involvement of the community. Screenings are usually done at houses of worship, community centers, and schools. Most of the participants will come from the membership of the host organization, but the host also gets out there to bring in participants from their neighborhood. All their contacts get involved spreading the word and I always feel that I've participated in something much larger than myself. This month, in honor of National Kidney Month and World Kidney Day on March 11, the National Kidney Foundation will hold free screenings for those at risk through KEEP in cities across the country. The emphasis from KEEP and all we do remains on education, prevention, and early intervention. These are the key terms that are most meaningful to me and that motivate everything that I do. Working in nephrology is a special experience. Hearing patients' stories and seeing their struggles is both inspirational and humbling. I witness grace and courage. I learn much. I count my blessings. I'm privileged to be a part of “the kidney universe.”