HOLLAND (WHTC) — Hope College alum Jim McFarlin took to social media Thursday to promote a cause close to his heart — make that, his kidneys — for World Kidney Day.
“One in every three Americans is in danger of developing kidney disease,” he told WHTC Thursday. “It’s one of those things, like, if it’s not the guy next to you or the guy on the other side, it’s probably you.”
McFarlin received a kidney transplant five years ago, long after untreated high blood pressure caused kidneys failure. During his time waiting for a transplant, he underwent dialysis and started a blog, “Just Kidneying.”
He wants people to know untreated high blood pressure will destroy kidney functions, as well diabetes, among other diseases.
“Once your kidneys are harmed, they never heal,” he said. “They’re gone, for good.”
In messages via social media, he asked people to be aware of good kidney health practices, like regular exercise, proper hydration and a healthful diet, among others, and to consider becoming an organ donor.
