Episode 137: The Art of Resilience: How Steve Turned Kidney Disease Into Creative Power

From Diagnosis to Artivism: Steve’s Extraordinary Kidney Warrior Journey

In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee sits down with Steve — a passionate creative whose life was forever changed by an unexpected diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

At just 30% kidney function and no warning signs, Steve’s diagnosis came as a shock. He takes us through the moment his world shifted: a sudden phone call that catapulted him into the reality of dialysis. What follows is a deeply human story of resilience — navigating peritoneal dialysis, transitioning to haemodialysis, and balancing the demands of treatment with the challenges of self-employment in web design.

But this is no ordinary journey.

Steve opens up about receiving his first kidney transplant, the hope it brought, and the heartbreak when things took a turn — sending him back to dialysis and confronting the fragility of life with CKD. Throughout it all, he emphasises the critical importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system, offering insights that every patient or caregiver needs to hear.

What truly sets Steve apart is how he channels pain into purpose. Through painting, he found not just therapy, but a voice — using art as activism to raise awareness about kidney disease. His work, featured in exhibitions supporting Kidney Care UK, is raw, reflective, and at times, joyfully humorous — a visual diary of his fight and spirit.

The episode builds to a beautiful full-circle moment as Steve shares the emotional story of receiving a second transplant — this time from his brother — and the freedom that followed. His message is clear: creativity can be healing, storytelling is powerful, and no one walking this journey is alone.

If you’re living with CKD, supporting a loved one, or simply need a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and deeply moved.

Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:

📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior 🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw 🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior 📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw 🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social

💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more! 👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47

📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content! 👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r

Follow Steve Light 📸 Instagram https://instagram.com/slart.me 💻 Website https://slart.substack.com

Steve's solo exhibition “Memento Vivere” September 6-18th Crypt Gallery,St Pancras New ChurchEuston Rd.,London NW1 2BAAll ticket proceeds and a percentage of art sales go to Kidney Care UK. Memento Vivere Exhibition Link https://cryptlondon.art

Kidney Care Uk

💻 Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org 📧 [email protected] 📞Tel: 01420 541 424 📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org 📷Instagram: @kidneycareuk 🔵Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social 📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A

📩 To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: [email protected]

Kidney Care UK's Kidney Kitchen

Kidney Kitchen recipes are very carefully analysed and approved by the British Dietetic Association Renal Nutrition Specialist Group (RNG).

https://www.kidneycareuk.org/about-kidney-health/living-kidney-disease/kidney-kitchen/

Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and before making any medical decisions. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessa