PUMP-A-LICIOUS

KICK-OUT KIDNEY DISEASE
The National Kidney Foundation presented Pump-a-licious at River Oaks Country Club, May 22, 2014. The show was hosted by Neiman Marcus. Drs. Stephen Fadem and Wadi Suki each received the Glass Slipper Award for their contributions to kidney care.

Thanks you, National Kidney Foundation, for selecting me as an honoree today. I could not think of a finer person to share this honor with than Dr. Suki, who has always served as my role model and inspiration.

In 1969, a first year medical student volunteered at the Children's Ward. There I met Floyd, a cute 4 year old. Bubbling over with joy to see us, he always raised his little arms to hug us. We cared for him sevral weeks before he dwindled and died. Floyd had kidney failure, but was not eligible for dialysis.

The moment of his death gave my career purpose - I vowed from then on that I would strive to help to kick out kidney disease. It has been a long journey - 45 years.

I have been most fortunate my wife, Joyce, has for the last 40 of these years, stuck by my side as a companion, the mother of our incredible children, my friend, my soul mate and my critic. Our life is rich and full of happiness, and to her and our family I express profound gratitude.

My career centers around Kidney Associates, DaVita, Baylor and volunteerism with organizations like NKF. It is all of you who deserve the credit, and to all of you that I owe a great deal. Thanks for contributing to what has been a fabulous career and life.

Receiving an honor for merit always challenges the recipient to continue living up to the distinction, and I pledge to always try to do so here.

Thank you again