Against All Odds A Story of Gangs, Dialysis, and Lifesaving Love

What's the Deal with Dialysis?

What does it take to transform a life marked by gang violence and kidney failure into one of hope and second chances? Our guest Al Fila lays bare his heart in a raw, unrestrained narrative that charts his path from a troubled youth to a man graced with not just one, but two lifesaving kidney transplants. He shares the perils of his earlier days, the profound impact of incarceration, and the saving grace of dialysis—the unsung hero that kept him alive against all odds. A conversation with Maurice Carlile, a dialysis technician, further illuminates the critical role that medical expertise and compassion play in this fight for life.
Through love's remarkable power, Al's journey also encompasses the extraordinary bond with his wife, a beacon of hope who stepped forward as his kidney donor, epitomizing love's ultimate sacrifice. The narrative doesn't shy away from the medical complexities either; it plunges into the harrowing experiences of battling high antibody levels and navigating organ rejection—challenges that test the human spirit as much as the body. Stepping into the light of medical advancements and emotional endurance, this episode is not merely a listening experience—it's a testament to the resilience nestled within the human soul, and a reminder of the miracles that dedication and science can achieve together.

A conversation about the kidneys and what happens when they fail.

Chapters

1. Against All Odds A Story of Gangs, Dialysis, and Lifesaving Love (00:00:00)

2. Kidney Dialysis Journey (00:00:25)

3. Two Kidney Transplants (00:06:41)

4. Kidney Transplant and Antibody Rejection (00:12:25)