TO ALL MY FRIENDS: Here is a music video I made for the National Kidney Foundation after my double transplant which saved my life.

My story began nearly 30 years ago when, at the age of 25 and just one week before getting married, I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Wow, two life changing events in the same week – I was shocked!

I was an avid runner, wasn’t overweight, and maintained a proper diet, but there it was staring me in the face. Obviously, my life would never be the same.

I tried my best to control my diabetes with insulin shots, diet, daily exercise and constant blood glucose monitoring but it was a constant  battle.

I fell victim to the many complications of the disease including blindness, coma and seizures. I only gained good control when I went on an insulin pump 25 years later.

Soon after, I was shocked once again in March 2008 when I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure – another life changing event.

I went on dialysis three days a week, and though it was tiring, I maintained my fitness and good blood sugar control until receiving a kidney–pancreas double transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida on Dec. 31, 2008.

While you can’t choose your donor family you can choose your hospital. I chose Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. After my visit I knew it was the right choice.

They treated my organs as if they were their own. And, I say this even though I am a Florida State Seminole. In addition, they offer an ‘Art in Medicine’ program that helps patients cope with the rigors of their journey – something I had practiced all my life using my Lyrical Photography and song writing as healthy treatments to escape from the unrelenting beat of chronic illness.

Bill Hahn with Richard Salick, Executive Director Kidney Foundation of Florida, at the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Back To Living

I was one of the lucky ones, having to wait only eight months from the time I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure until receiving my transplant. That’s when I got my first glimpse of the joy of living…AGAIN!

Now, just one year after receiving my double transplant I’m no longer diabetic, I’m no longer on insulin and I’m no longer on dialysis. Another life changing event!
I now run 20 miles a day, splitting time between my Precor elliptical cross trainer and my Precor advanced motion trainer.

I also continue to practice my art of Lyrical Photography and I’m back to work full time in the health and wellness industry. Because of my transplant, and my improved health and vision, the therapies I maintained to survive are daily habits that have given me the joy of living…AGAIN!

Bill Hahn

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bill Hahn tells his incredible and inspiring story of battling the chronic illness of diabetes, and going through acute kidney failure only to emerge healthier and happier than ever after a kidney-pancreas transplant in 2009. His story of how he was able to survive and now prosper parallels many of the principles and practices found in the arena of anti-aging and healthy living. Hahn is a former pro surfer, business owner, personal trainer and published Lyrical Photographer. He has owned Home Fitness Warehouse in Melbourne, Florida since 1992. You can reach Mr. Hahn at 866-387-1745, or e-mail amuse6168@att.net.

Related posts:

1. Double Transplant Recipient Provides Inspiration
2. Transplant Recipient Given the Joy of Living…AGAIN!
3. Hahn, Salick To Compete In U.S. Transplant Games

BILL HAHN, double transplant receipient.

Transplant…When you hear the word out loud – and it’s aimed, point blank, right at you, your life stands still … your heart skips a beat … and your mind races: How will this change my life, what is my future, if any?

The word fills your emotions from disbelief, to acceptance, to anticipation, to panic, to joy. It’s a journey that takes years…a second at a time.

My journey started 30 years ago when I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. I was in shock! Was I really a diabetic?

My lifestyle was an active one – I was an avid runner and I wasn’t overweight. In brief, my lifestyle was not what caused my Type 1 diabetes to occur. It was caused by a genetic pre-disposition.

Fortunately, my lifestyle would serve me well by conditioning me for all I was about to face. But the fact was, I was indeed a diabetic. Try as I did, I still fell victim to some of the many complications of the disease such as blindness, coma and seizures.

Years later I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. My kidneys had failed, and I was forced to go on dialysis to stay alive. That started my wait for a transplant…the constant tick, tick, tick of the clock and the endless ring, ring, ring of the phone – wondering if today was the day I’d get “The Call.”

“We Have a Match”

It was just another ring of the phone with an unexpected voice, “This is Shands Hospital, we have a match.”

My mind started racing. I had only seconds to gather my thoughts and head to Gainesville, Florida, a  three hour drive that seemed like an eternity – then a hush and a blur. That was Dec. 31, 2009 – New Years Eve.

The New Year rang in my new life as I woke up with a new kidney and pancreas. Was I all right?

My family surrounded me with smiles, and I was indeed all right!  No more insulin shots. No more diabetes. No more dialysis. I had reached the equinox of my journey where the perils of chronic illnesses are replaced with the promise of a healthy, active future.

But who was responsible for my gift of life?

While you can’t choose your donor family, you can choose your hospital. I chose Shands Hospital in Gainesville. It was, and is, the right choice. They treat my organs as if they are their own. I say this even though I am a Florida State Seminole.

Arts In Medicine

In addition, they offer an “Art in Medicine” program that helps patients cope with the rigors of their journey – something I had practiced all my life. Using my lyrical photography and song writing as healthy treatment to escape from the unrelenting beat of chronic illness.

Exercise and fitness is my other form of self-treatment and has been the other constant in my life. I consider myself a professional in the field having owned and operated Home Fitness Warehouse in Melbourne, Florida for the last 16 years. I currently run 20 miles a day, only 14 months after my transplant by splitting time between the Precor elliptical cross trainer and Precor advanced motion trainer.

What’s next ? The National Kidney Foundation, 2010 U.S. Transplant Games in Madison, Wisconsin that will be held July 31 through Aug. 3.

These games feature recipients, families and donor families who participate in athletic events to demonstrate the success of transplantation and share with the world the gift of life by highlighting the need for more organ donors. The National Kidney Foundation of Florida, an affiliate of the The National Kidney Foundation, will have 200 attendees at the games this year.

Labor Day Surf Festival

The National Kidney Foundation of Florida organizes local events each year with the biggest being the Labor Day Surf Festival, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. The event’s need for sponsors and volunteers gives everyone a chance to participate in giving the gift of life. Every donation is a donation of life.

Over 100,000 people are still waiting for their second chance. I celebrate everyday my second chance with the joy of living…again…with my family, friends and God…and it is Oh, so sweet!

Related posts:

1. Transplant Recipient Given the Joy of Living…AGAIN!
2. Double Transplant Recipient Dedicates Music Video To Donors
3. Hahn, Salick To Compete In U.S. Transplant Games

Bill Hahn Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Kidney–Pancreas Transplant

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – My story began nearly 30 years ago when, at the age of 25 and just one week before getting married, I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Wow, two life changing events in the same week – I was shocked!

I was an avid runner, wasn’t overweight, and maintained a proper diet, but there it was staring me in the face. Obviously, my life would never be the same.

I tried my best to control my diabetes with insulin shots, diet, daily exercise and constant blood glucose monitoring but it was a constant  battle.

I fell victim to the many complications of the disease including blindness, coma and seizures. I only gained good control when I went on an insulin pump 25 years later.

Soon after, I was shocked once again in March 2008 when I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure – another life changing event.

I went on dialysis three days a week, and though it was tiring, I maintained my fitness and good blood sugar control until receiving a kidney–pancreas double transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida on Dec. 31, 2008.

While you can’t choose your donor family you can choose your hospital. I chose Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. After my visit I knew it was the right choice.

They treated my organs as if they were their own. And, I say this even though I am a Florida State Seminole. In addition, they offer an ‘Art in Medicine’ program that helps patients cope with the rigors of their journey – something I had practiced all my life using my Lyrical Photography and song writing as healthy treatments to escape from the unrelenting beat of chronic illness.

BILL HAHN’S REMARKABLE SURVIVAL of diabetes, dialysis and transplantation can, in large part, be attributed to his dedication to vigorous exercise, as shown in the photo illustrations above and below. Bill is now back to running 20 miles a day, splitting time between his Precor elliptical cross trainer and Precor advanced motion trainer. PHOTO BY YVETTE GIOIA

Back To Living

I was one of the lucky ones, having to wait only eight months from the time I was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure until receiving my transplant. That’s when I got my first glimpse of the joy of living…AGAIN!

Now, just one year after receiving my double transplant I’m no longer diabetic, I’m no longer on insulin and I’m no longer on dialysis. Another life changing event!
I now run 20 miles a day, splitting time between my Precor elliptical cross trainer and my Precor advanced motion trainer.

I also continue to practice my art of Lyrical Photography and I’m back to work full time in the health and wellness industry. Because of my transplant, and my improved health and vision, the therapies I maintained to survive are daily habits that have given me the joy of living…AGAIN!

What’s Next?

I’ll be a part of The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) U.S. Transplant Games in Madison, Wisconsin next summer where recipients, families and donor families participate in athletic events to celebrate the success of transplantation and share with the world the gift of life they have been given. The NKF of Florida, an affiliate of the NKF, will have 200 attendees at the event.

The NKF of Florida organizes many local events, the biggest being the Labor Day Surf Festival. It will be celebrating its 25th year in 2010, and it promises to be the best yet.

Spreading the Word

Through my blog on SpaceCoastMedicine.com, I will be sharing my story of being a living and breathing example that you can have an active, happy and productive life during dialysis and even more so after getting a transplant.

The number of people in need of organ transplant continues to increase, and still far outweighs donors. The longer a patient remains on dialysis waiting for a transplant the more uncertain the outcome.

Waiting time on dialysis is the strongest modifiable risk factor for successful renal transplant outcomes. Please become a donor or donate to the National Kidney Foundation. Help give to others what has been given back to me – the joy of living.

I look forward to volunteering my time, efforts and attitude and hope to share it with the 26 million others afflicted with chronic kidney failure.

A special thanks goes to my donor family, my transplant team at Shands Hospital in Gainesville and my family support team, a group I now re-join in the joy of living…AGAIN!

Bill Hahn is a double transplant recipient, former pro surfer, business owner, personal trainer and published Lyrical Photographer. He has owned Home Fitness Warehouse in Melbourne, Florida since 1992. You can reach Hahn at 866-387-1745, or e-mail amuse6168@att.net.

Related posts:

1. Double Transplant Recipient Provides Inspiration
2. Double Transplant Recipient Dedicates Music Video To Donors
3. “The Call” Rings In New Year, New Life

Bill Hahn with Richard Salick, Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida, at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Don't miss Bill's upcoming blog on SpaceCoastMedicine.com.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – My story began nearly 30 years ago when at the age of 25 when I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, just one week before getting married. Wow, two life changing events in the same week – I was shocked!

I was an avid runner, wasn’t overweight, and maintained a proper diet, but there it was staring me in the face. Obviously, my life would never be the same.

I tried my best to control my diabetes with insulin shots, diet, daily exercise and constant blood glucose monitoring but it was a constant  battle.

I fell victim to the many complications of the disease including blindness, coma and seizures. I only gained good control when I went on an insulin pump 25 years later.

End-stage Renal Failure

Bill Hahn with Erin Kahle, Constituent Services Program Manager, National Kidney Foundation of New York.

Soon after, I was shocked once again in March 2008 when I was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure – another life changing event.

I went on dialysis three days a week, and though it was tiring, I maintained my fitness and good blood sugar control until receiving a kidney–pancreas double transplant at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida on Dec. 31, 2008.

I was one of the lucky ones, having to wait only eight months from my diagnoses until receiving my transplant. That’s when I got my first glimpse of the joy of living…AGAIN!

Now, just 10 months after receiving my double transplant I’m no longer diabetic, I’m no longer on insulin and I’m no longer on dialysis. Another life changing event!

Back To Living

I now run 20 miles a day on my Precor elliptical cross trainer, I continue to practice my art of Lyrical Photography and I’m back to work full time in the health and wellness industry. Because of my transplant, and my improved health and vision, the therapies I maintained to survive are daily habits that have given me the joy of living…AGAIN!

Through my upcoming blog on SpaceCoastMedicine.com, I want to share my story of being a living and breathing example that you can have an active, happy and productive life during dialysis and even more so after getting a transplant.

As transplantation continues to advance, patients still far outweigh donors. The longer a patient remains on dialysis waiting for a transplant the more uncertain the outcome.

Waiting time on dialysis is the strongest modifiable risk factor for successful renal transplant outcomes. Please become a donor or donate to the National Kidney Foundation. Help give to others what has been given back to me – the joy of living.

I look forward to volunteering my time, efforts and attitude and hope to share it with the 26 million others afflicted with CKD.

A special thanks goes to my donor family, my transplant team at Shands Hospital in Gainesville and my family support team. A group I now re-join in the joy of living….AGAIN!

Bill Hahn is a double transplant recipient, former pro surfer, business owner, personal trainer and published Lyrical Photographer. He has owned Home Fitness Warehouse in Melbourne, Florida since 1992. You can reach Hahn at 866-387-1745, or e-mail amuse6168@att.net.

Related posts:

1. Double Transplant Recipient Dedicates Music Video To Donors
2. Transplant Recipient Given the Joy of Living…AGAIN!
3. Hahn, Salick To Compete In U.S. Transplant Games

DR. LANCE MAKI, known as the ‘Father of East Coast Tandem Surfing,’ specializes in longevity and life quality. Restoring vitality, sexuality and balancing hormones is Dr. Maki’s area of expertise.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – To celebrate the Grand Opening of his new medical office in Merritt Island on the Banana River, Dr. Lance Maki hosted a “Paddle In” into his riverfront office on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Lance Maki, MD and Kristine Maki, RN

Dr. Maki is proud to be a sponsor of next week’s National Kidney Foundation Surf Festival’s Tandem Surf and Stand-Up Paddle Surf events at the Cocoa Beach Pier.

“Tandem Surfing has a rich heritage that has shaped surfing culture for generations,” said Dr. Maki.

“It’s a beautiful expression between a man and woman that is both athletic and artful. A synergy of surfing prowess with partnership skills only found elsewhere in figure skating and adagio dance.”

The paddling on Thursday, Sept. 3 will began at 10:30 a.m., and will took about 40 minutes to complete. The event included routes for both beginners and advanced paddlers, including canoers, kayakers and surfboarders. Refreshments were served at the MAKImd office and all donations went to the National Kidney Foundation for patient care.

MAKImd Restoration Medicine is located at 190 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy, Suite 3, on Merritt Island, across from Merritt Square mall. For more information about the MAKImd Restoration Medicine Paddle In call 321-305-5970.

‘Father of Tandem Surfing’ Practices What He Preaches

Dr. Lance Maki is the Father of East Coast Tandem Surfing.

Dr. Maki, known as the ‘Father of East Coast Tandem Surfing,’ specializes in longevity and life quality. Restoring vitality, sexuality and balancing hormones is Dr. Maki’s area of expertise.

Dr. Maki received his M.D. degree from Texas Tech University Medical School in Lubbock, Texas and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology through the integrated residency at Wright Patterson AFB/ Miami Valley Hospital/ Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

He was an Air Force Flight Surgeon and Aerospace Physiologist, and is board certified, and a fellow, in both OB/Gyn and Anti-Aging/Functional Medicine.

“MAKImd Restoration Medicine is a unique medical practice that deals with the issues of aging with an approach that realizes that not all issues may be medical in nature,” said Dr. Maki.

“The Makimd team uses a multi-faceted method of dealing with the physical and medical issues associated with slowing the aging process – as well as addressing the mental and emotional aspects of aging.”

The Makimd team uses a multi-faceted method of dealing with the physical and medical issues associated with slowing the aging process – as well as addressing the mental and emotional aspects of aging.

With Dr. Maki are his wife of 42 years, Kristine Maki, RN, and renowned medical psychotherapist Dr. Duncan Bowen, PhD. “As a team, we can address issues from all aspects of concern you may have with regaining the youthful vigor and vitality you once had,” said Kristine Maki.

Kristine received her RN degree from Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, Texas and trained at Ball State University, becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner in 1999. She has over 20 years experience in Women’s Health and specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for women.

Additionally she is an expert in Aesthetics, having trained with a plastic surgeon in Northern California. Kris is a member of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health as well as the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

To schedule an appointment please call 321-305-5970.

Related posts:

1. MIMA Opens Indialantic Office
2. UCF College of Medicine Opens Simulation and Training Center
3. National Kidney Foundation Surf Fest Set For Labor Day Weekend