Hi, I'm Michelle! I’m 24 years old and work as a Manufacturing Associate at Capricor Therapeutics.

My journey with Nephrotic Syndrome began July 2020, just two weeks before my first year at the University of Richmond. After a kidney biopsy during my 10-day hospitalization,  I was diagnosed with Minimal Change Disease (now FSGS). After many treatment trials that resulted in hospitalization and anaphylaxis, I reached remission with a mix of tacrolimus and delayed release mycophenolate.
 
I know my story is not the only one. Being hospitalized made me realize that if I am scared about my future due to this incurable diagnosis, then I bet other patients and their loved ones feel the same.
Today, I’m proud to turn my experience into action through my career in biotech and advocacy, helping create a future where patients like me have better answers and hope. Thanks to the Peer Team, I found a space where I can connect with others who truly understand, and I’m excited to help provide that same sense of belonging!

Hi, I'm Nicki! In 2019 I was diagnosed with IgM Nephropathy at the age of 21. I am currently 26 and thriving! The first couple years of my illness, I worked my way through all of the conventional treatments that were deemed good options for me, but failed to reach remission. Fast forward to the present, and I am regaining my health under naturopathic care utilizing a functional, root cause approach. I have never felt better! And I am very blessed that my nephrologist supports my efforts to heal in novel ways.

My journey with nephrotic syndrome has inspired me to pursue certification to become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner in 2024. I am excited to see where this new journey takes me. I have been an avid member of the Peer Team for several years now and there is nothing more fulfilling than connecting with, inspiring and sharing hope with fellow patients and their families. NSF is such a wonderful organization and I'm very grateful to be involved!

Hi, I’m Mikaela! I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at 16. The first year following diagnosis was filled with doctor’s visits, infusions, hospital stays, and medications, until I entered remission a little over a year later. I found NSF shortly after my diagnosis, and have loved getting to know and support others with Nephrotic Syndrome!

Now, I am a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University, where I studied Psychology and Sociology. I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work at Boston College. In my free time, I love spoiling my cat and dog.

I look forward to connecting with others who are navigating or have navigated Nephrotic Syndrome!

Hi, I’m Cynthia! I’m 27 years old and a proud Fightin’ Texas Aggie and a civil engineer. I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Sydrome when I was 2 years old and actively treated with prednisone, cellcept, and cytoxan for 17 years until I was 19 years old. Nick-named “Miss Perky” by family, friends, and my nephrologist team at UCLA, I try to still embody this optimistic mindset.

As an adult, I’m passionate about fitness and creating an athletic lifestyle. On any given day, you can catch me on my Peloton, completing a HIIT workout, or hiking a new mountain peak. I’m also deeply passionate about world affairs and will be visiting my 7th continent in January 2021! Growing up, Nephrotic Syndrome was part of my daily life and I know the struggles and sacrifices that many patients experience. I look forward to connecting with you and creating strength through community

Hi, I'm Natalie! I grew up in Los Angeles, CA, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 (Go Blue!), and received my Masters of Social Work from USC in 2018. Along with my partner, Jason, our dog, Ash, and our cat, Ellie, I currently live in Seattle, where I’m working towards becoming a licensed therapist. Most of the time you can find me kayaking on Lake Union or in the kitchen learning new recipes.

At 2 years old I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Like so many other children with the same diagnosis, my childhood was a juggling act of hospital stays, medication, side-effects, birthday parties, sleepovers, and class field trips. It was rare that I truly felt like myself. But thanks to my amazing support system I always had inspiration to stay positive! For the last 20 years, however, I have really missed making a connection with others living with Nephrotic Syndrome. This was especially true two and a half years ago, on my 25th birthday, when I relapsed for the first time in four years. A community is a powerful thing and I believe that through this one, we can all learn new ways to live life to the fullest while embracing the everyday challenges. Thank you all for sharing your stories!

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i, I'm Natalie! I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome in 2013 at the age of 13. After undergoing prednisone therapy and a biopsy, the treatment that helped me reach remission was tacrolimus, which I took for five years. I have been in remission since 2017 and am extremely grateful for my family and the doctors who have been there for me every step of the way in my Nephrotic Syndrome journey.

At 24 years old I'm a graphic designer and a graduate from Harcum College. My hobbies include photography, watching the Philadelphia sports teams, and listening to classic rock music. I'm so happy to be a part of the NSF Peer Team!

Hi, I'm Rhea! I am from a small, one-stoplight farm town in Indiana where I live with my husband and three dogs. I was diagnosed with membranous glomerulonephritis in 2020 and remained a true warrior as I endured lengthy hospital visits and health complications that culminated in my diagnosis. Despite this difficult journey, I embody a positive mindset and is try to be a light and inspiration to all. I also consider myself a self-starter—I run a tree service business with my partner and am an accomplished powerlifter. At age 22, I have achieved a partial remission through steriods, rituxan and intentional lifestyle.

NSF looks forward to all the amazing energy Rhea will bring to our Peer Team!

Currently a sophomore at De La Salle High School. Isaiah hopes to major in either pre-law or political science in College. He is volunteering for NSF so he can support other people who are experiencing the physical and mental challenges of having Nephrotic Syndrome.

Isaiah's favorite hobbies are running, juggling a soccer ball, and watching any type of sports. During running, he feels a greater connection to nature and feels at ease.

Hi this is DJ, I was diagnosed in April of 2022 with FSGS. I have been through many different medications to try and give myself remission. This includes Tacrolimus, MMF, cyclosporine, rituximab, and Prednisone. I enjoy Choir and Drama. I am in my senior year and work with several different doctors, including my nephrologist, to help me live. I am in the process of preparing for Dialysis and transplant. I look forward to working with everyone.

My name is Noah Rubach from Tenafly, New Jersey. I am currently in my senior year at Tenafly High School, and I plan to attend college to study business. In my free time, I like playing golf and watching sports.

In kindergarten, I was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and have been dealing with it since. I’ve found success with careful dieting and prednisone. Now, I am in remission and am working to support others who are dealing with what I had to go through.

Hi, I'm Valarie! I was diagnosed with C3G chronic kidney disease at age 16. I graduated from high school this past May, and I'm going to further my education studying nutrition at the University of West Florida! I attended Camp NSF for the first time this year, and it was so exciting to hear everyone's stories and connect! In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, running 5Ks, and spending time with my family. 

Hey there, my name is Jake! I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome when I was 2 years old. Thankfully, after some back-and-forth I was able to enter remission at 17 (and 19) through a medication my doctor has nicknamed "obi." Other medications I have used over the years that others may find familiar were rituximab, cellcept and losartan. Right now I only take tacrolimus--although I've known it as "prograf."It has now been a few years and I'm doing well. Currently, I'm majoring in Urban Planning at the University of Pittsburgh in my Junior year. I hope to go into a field that is sustainability related. I enjoy drawing, bowling, playing around on iMovie, and learning about different cars--you should see my giant drawing of the world! I'm very happy that I am a part of the Peer Team as I am able to meet people who have dealt with similar challenges as I have. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Hi, I’m Sydney! I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome and Minimal Change Disease in 2010, when I was 4 years old. I am currently 17 and have been in remission for a little less than a year. I have tried almost everything there is, I started with prednisone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate. Those all worked until 2019 when I had to start rituxan treatments. Although many steroids and treatments have worked for short term remissions, I have not yet found a treatment that has kept me in remission for longer than 2 years. After 13 years I am still constantly looking for new treatments and waiting for new research to come out.I will be graduating in a little over a year and can’t wait to receive a degree for Occupational Therapy. I love working with kids and hope to end up using my degree to work in some sort of center for pediatric development. My time in hospitals and doctors offices has really pushed me to work with kids that have struggled with help and being able to get the kids to a point where they can live on their own eventually is my main goal. I feel that becoming a part of the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation has led me to a group of people who are there to advocate for kids like me and being a part of that means a lot to me.

Hello, my name is Mia! I was born and raised on the island of Oahu and am currently attending University of Hawaii at Mānoa, studying psychology with an interest in human development. After I complete my education pathway, I hope to support other people whether it will be shown through individual counseling or educating. Some things I enjoy are reading/writing, watching animated tv shows, nature, going to museums and sewing clothes.At the age of 19 during my spring 2023 semester, I was sent home from the ER multiple times, then finally got admitted into the hospital for 12 days. I left with the diagnoses of minimal change disease and nephrotic syndrome through kidney biopsy. I sustained acute kidney failure then liver damage due to the intensity of my IV medications/fluids, overcoming these external stressors as someone who is neurodivergent.I also currently have steroid-induced cataracts in both my eyes and a dysautonomic disorder being investigated.As of present, I am in remission and couldn’t be more thankful to be able to wake up to brand new days and fresh new starts. I cherish each and every connection I make and love to listen to the array of stories people have in their lives. I also hope for others to feel less alone in their journeys of nephrotic syndrome and am grateful to be here!

Hey, I’m Tate! I am a high school senior in Scottsdale, Arizona. In my free time, I am an amateur filmmaker and gamer. My journey with nephrotic syndrome began when I was diagnosed at the age of 3 and since then, I have been on just about every type of treatment medication. The latest treatment of infusions twice a year has been a nice break from daily medication. Fortunately, I have only had to be hospitalized once and consider myself fortunate to live in an age with so many treatments available. I love that there is a forum like this to connect with others, share our experiences, and help others.

Hi, I’m Polina! In March 2025, at the age of 16, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. After undergoing a kidney biopsy, I was diagnosed with Minimal Change Disease. This period while I was hospitalized was filled with uncertainty, fear, and many questions about what my future would look like. Today, I have been in remission for several months and continue treatment with immunosuppressive medications. I am currently in my final year of high school and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Europe. Despite my diagnosis, I remain focused on my education and future goals.

Being part of this community is important to me for emotional support, staying informed about new treatments and research, and connecting with others who truly understand this journey.

Hello, I’m Noah! I am from Peabody, Massachusetts and I am 19 years old. I am a freshman attending business school at Villanova University! I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome when I was 16 years old. In July of 2023, I experienced severe weight gain, along with swelling in my legs and face, which led to my admission to Boston Children’s Hospital. A kidney biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, a specific cause of Nephrotic Syndrome. Initially, I was prescribed Prednisone and soon realized I was steroid resistant. Since then, I have been on Tacrolimus and Amlodipine for the past two years and have remained in remission!
Throughout this journey with a chronic disease, the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation has been an incredible support system for me and my family. I am deeply grateful for the positive impact they have had on our lives since my diagnosis. Since connecting with NSF, I have been eager to connect with others living with Nephrotic Syndrome. Now, I hope to share my experiences and help patients navigate this rare disease, ensuring they know they are not alone!

I was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome when I was almost three years old and have spent over 30 years living with this condition, experiencing approximately 25 relapses. Over time, biopsies revealed Minimal Change Disease and later unsampled FSGS. Despite aggressive treatment with steroids, Endoxan, Mycophenolate, and Tacrolimus, relapses continued to recur, highlighting the unpredictable and chronic nature of the disease.
Managing nephrotic syndrome along with education, work, and everyday life has been challenging. Persistent pain, swelling, hospital visits and the long-term side effects of treatment affected my overall health and well-being. Beyond the physical impact, living with a chronic illness also meant facing judgment and feeling different. Fitting in was never easy, and for many years it felt like a constant battle—one that others could not fully understand.
Over time, I learned to stop letting these judgments define me. As relapses continued, I began focusing more on myself and my health. I discovered the importance of diet, stress management, and preventive care in maintaining stability. Shifting my attention away from external opinions and toward self-care has made this long journey more manageable.

Living with nephrotic syndrome has not been easy, but it has shaped my resilience, self-awareness, and strength that continues to guide how I move forward.