Back for a second time, Dan Holmes is a former U.S. Navy Combat Search and Rescue operator turned international rare kidney disease advocate. A 2024 NephCure Impact Award recipient, Dan was diagnosed with MN in 2020 and has fought tirelessly for better recognition and treatment of rare kidney diseases, especially within the VA system. His advocacy has taken him to the FDA, NIH, and Capitol Hill, where he’s pushed for legislative change.

A survivor of multiple strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and medical setbacks, Dan’s resilience and determination have led him to partial remission. He continues to raise awareness and fight for policy change, proving that advocacy can save lives.

Welcome to The Kidney Fighter Show. I’m Marc Coronel. This show is for anyone who’s been touched by kidney disease whether you’re the one fighting, a caregiver, or someone who just wants to understand more about what this journey is like.

I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, especially when it comes to something as painful and isolating as kidney disease. My hope is that by sharing my own story, struggles, triumphs, pain, you’ll feel less alone, and maybe, you can take action on the life we were given.

Today, I want to share with you what The Kidney Fighter show is all about and how my journey with kidney disease has shaped not only who I am today but also how I want to help others. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about living, fighting, and never giving up.

Andy Lamont, A personal trainer in Sydney Australia with over 20 years of experience in the industry. A former NSW state and Australian bodybuilding champion.

In 2012 Andy suffered a severe cervical spine injury which led to him stopping competitive bodybuilding and led the overuse of Nurofen to ease the pain. This use of Nurofen led subsequently to kidney failure.

Although feeling tired and not quite right continued to work until he ended up in ICU with extremely high potassium and creatinine levels he was finally placed on dialysis.

He has now been on dialysis for 2 1/2 years and continues his training business around his treatment sessions.