"I went through a very difficult time in my life when I got diagnosed with IgA [nephropathy]. And here I am 25 years later, being able to sit in front of you and share my story.

If that means I can help somebody else navigate that journey and make it easier for them and ask them and teach them how to ask the right questions and make them feel like they're part of a community, I think that's the least I can do."