PKD Life - Fall 2020 - 20

Naomi Best, 55,
Port Lincoln,
South Australia
I was formally
diagnosed in 2000, after my
cousin [told] me of our family
history of PKD. The disease
came from my father's side of
the family. His mother died
in her mid-40s from it. My
father passed away when I
was only 5, and my mother
never kept in contact with
his side of the family, so my
brother and I were never
tested. I am now at stage 4.
I have had three children,
one who passed away as
a baby. Both my son and
daughter have now been

diagnosed. I have always had
an interest in tattoos and
have quite a few already. All
of my tattoos have meaning,
including tribute tattoos
for my son, brother, father,
and husband, who have all
passed away.
My local tattooist, Dave,
came up with this design
and added flowers to tie it in
with the other tattoos that I
already had on my right arm.
He chose a flowing script and
had the teal ribbon replace
the "o" in hope. Hope for a
cure, hope for transplant,
and hope for the thousands
of others who suffer with
this disease.

Michelle Ensmann,
29, Point Pleasant,
New Jersey
I got my tattoo
shortly after I was diagnosed at 18.
After being upset about my diagnosis for a few days, I've had a positive outlook ever since. I've had my
dad as a great role model. He has
had his transplant for over 25 years
and sets a great example to enjoy
every moment and not take life
for granted.
I actually drew it myself. I got the
sunflower for my mom and the ribbon for me and my dad. My mom
loves sunflowers and my dad has
PKD, so the stem of the sunflower
goes into the ribbon for PKD.
Underneath, it says "strength,"
which I got to remind myself [of]
the strength and courage both of
my parents have had in dealing
with this disease, and that I would
have to have, too.
People comment on my tattoo when it's seen in the warmer
weather. I often hear that it's beautiful or people ask what it says. It's
a great conversation starter, and I
didn't realize it when I got it, but
it's a great way to raise awareness
about PKD!

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PKD Life - Fall 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PKD Life - Fall 2020