Today, we’re honoured to share that Nick Ashawasega’s story about living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has been published in the National Post.

When a personal story about PKD appears in a national newspaper, something shifts.

PKD is often invisible. It develops slowly. Many people manage symptoms quietly for years. From the outside, someone with PKD may look completely fine – while carrying uncertainty, monitoring lab results, and making long-term health decisions behind the scenes.

Nick chose to make that invisible experience visible.

He shared what it feels like to live with a genetic kidney disease. The questions. The uncertainty. The reality of knowing that PKD can progress over time. The impact on family. The weight and the resilience that can exist at the same time.

That kind of honesty matters.

Why national visibility is important

Polycystic kidney disease affects thousands of families across Canada. Yet many people have never heard of it until it touches their own lives.

When a story like Nick’s appears in a national outlet:

• More people learn what PKD is
• Families recognize themselves
• Conversations begin earlier
• Stigma softens
• Awareness grows

For someone who is newly diagnosed, reading a story like Nick’s can be grounding. It can replace isolation with recognition.

For someone who has been living with PKD for years, it can feel like being seen.

For someone who has never heard of PKD, it opens the door to understanding.

If Nick’s story brought you here

If you arrived at our website after reading Nick’s story, welcome.

You might be feeling recognition. You might be feeling concern. You might just be curious.

Wherever you are, there is information and support available.

You can start by learning more about polycystic kidney disease (PKD), including common symptoms, how it is inherited, and how it is monitored over time. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed, we have resources for people at every stage – from newly diagnosed to transplant and beyond.

You don’t have to absorb everything at once.

Gratitude

We want to thank Nick for his openness and courage in sharing his experience publicly. Personal stories are powerful. They help others feel less alone. They help move awareness forward.

PKD is a long journey. Awareness is part of how we improve it – through research, support, and informed communities.

Today, one more story is part of the national conversation.

And that matters.

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If you would like to read Nick’s story, you can find it in the National Post.
If you would like to learn more about PKD or connect with others affected by it, explore the resources on our website or join our private community at MyPKD.ca.

Wherever you are in your PKD journey, you are not alone.