Why

At one of my monthly nephrology visits, I overheard a young woman on the phone struggling with a heartbreaking choice: pay for her grandmother’s medication or put gas in her car for the week. Her grandmother was in the clinic that very day.

When her call ended, I asked if I could speak with her privately, hoping to help without embarrassing her. But before I could explain, she defensively blurted out in front of everyone, “I have a boyfriend, and you’re not my type.”

The room grew silent. I sat in shame until my name was called. Yet when my appointment was over, she approached me to apologize for her outburst and asked why I wanted to speak with her.

I told her the truth: I had overheard her call and wanted to quietly cover the cost of her grandmother’s medication. No strings attached. No hidden agenda. Just an act of kindness, paying forward what so many have done for me during my own fight with kidney disease.

She hugged me. She didn’t let go for several minutes. And in that silent embrace, I realized how something so small could mean the world to someone in need.

That moment embodies the mission of The Manors Foundation: to be a helping hand in difficult times, to restore dignity, and to remind people that they are not alone. Through awareness, education, and acts of compassion, we strive to create a world where those living with kidney disease and their families, feel seen, supported, and uplifted.

This is why we do the work. Because kindness is powerful. And because together, we can make sure no one has to choose between health and survival.