LaLa Strong

10/19/2025

No, literally.
Listen to your body whisper so you don’t have to hear it scream!

10/16/2025

Twelve years ago I walked into an office and they put a catheter in my stomach for dialysis and my physical abilities have been limited since.
Today I just walked out of an office for the last time and with no restrictions.
I don’t know how to feel currently. I’m happy and relieved to not be on dialysis and not have restrictions. I’m scared out of my mind that there’s no safety net.

*Pictures are mostly out of order. Wow this body of mine has been medically beat up.

10/03/2025

The Dr behind all (6) of my arm surgeries since I’ve been back here in IN. He came in the room to talk to me before surgery and the first thing he said was “Let’s close this chapter!” You have no idea how comforting it is when you know your drs genuinely care about you and know your case.

Surgery went well. He had to make 2 incisions and tie it off in two spots so I don’t get any clots in my arm.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!!

10/03/2025

When I took photos in May, I specifically did shots like these to show off my scars. Each one tells a story of when life tried to take me out but failed. I can tell you all about the pain and the awful experiences I’ve had but none of that matters because that’s not my story. My story is one of victory and rising above.

So today I close the book on this part of my life. I was diagnosed with CKD 19 years ago. At 14 I had NO idea what that meant. At 33 I can tell you, it means HELL. Today I’m getting my fistula taken out of my arm. For the first time since my diagnosis, there is no plan b. I will no longer have the safety net of dialysis or another transplant. It’s up solely to me to stay alive and healthy. While it doesnt take my CKD away, it’s a huge step in this journey.

Today is bittersweet.

10/01/2025

Nine years since 10/01/16. Why’s that date mean anything? It was when I got my first transplant.

Scared out of my mind 24 year old me walked into a cold hospital and checked in for “organ transplant surgery” after being on dialysis for two years at that point. Not knowing what that really meant in that moment or for the future. Now I know what that means from the biggest highlight of not being hooked to a machine to stay alive to the lowest point of that same exact organ trying to kill me from the inside out. Literally. How crazy is that?! The thing I waited for to keep me alive nearly killed me 5 1/2 years later.

So I won’t let today pass without thinking of my first donor and her family. The grief they experience this time of year and my gratitude to them for allowing their loved one to be a donor.

Don’t forget, say yes to “Do you wanna be a donor?” when they ask at the BMV. Save lives. Donate your spare. You can also be a living donor and donate while you’re still alive too.

09/14/2025

One year ago we had my poker ride and benefit!

Anne Willis Held
Eric Konieczny
Annette Traxler

09/11/2025

Update: they are scheduling a few weeks out so Im thinking the beginning of October! This will be the last surgery to close out this LONG journey.

Seeing the dr today about scheduling my fistula removal surgery!

09/04/2025

ETA: went to monthly labs indtead of biweekly, see him every 3 months instead of monthly, and get to get my fustula taken out!!!

One year post transplant appointment today. Here’s to hoping I can get him to agree to let me get my fistula out!

Also busted out the boots for the fall like weather we are having here in Indiana 😍

09/01/2025

08/14/2025

Idc if you’re annoyed at my posts today. I didn’t come this far and fight this hard to stay quiet!

My past year off the machine!!

08/14/2025

ONE year. Today I’m celebrating my one year kidney anniversary….. again!!! And what a year it’s been. I’ve met quite a few transplant recipients and dialysis patients this past year. I love being able to use what should have been the most devastating thing in my life for positive and being able to help others.

As always, I can’t help but to think of my donor family today. They lost a son, possible brother, possible uncle, and friend but they (or he) made and stuck to one of the most important “yes’s” you could ever say!

When they ask at the BMV “do you want to be a donor?”, think of me and say “YES!” It means more than you could EVER know!

08/12/2025

2 years ago my life changed forever. 2 years since I added “stroke survivor” to my resume. 2 years of adjusting to certain things like my altered vision, trouble with words sometimes, and struggle with numbers from time to time. 2 years since I shifted my view on life and realized how short it really could be.