Mr. Brook Beckley founded the Kidney Life Foundation because he is a Kidney Disease and dialysis patient himself and saw a need to help patients and bring Awareness to this fast growing disease that people never hear about. 

 

At the beginning of 2010, Brook began feeling extremely ill. After his yearly checkup he learned his kidneys were failing by a simple blood test (basic metabolic panel) and urine sample. He was shocked because he had no signs of Kidney Disease the year before. In April 2010, he had a biopsy on his Kidneys and found out he did in fact have Kidney Disease. He was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis - Collapsing Variant.

 

At the end of 2010, while working late to finish a project at his business, Brook suddenly became extremely cold followed by severe chills and shivering. Brook was rushed to the emergency room. He was diagnosed with severe hypothermia. Brook came very close to dying but he fought hard and made it through.

 

The next morning, Brook was rushed into emergency surgery. He required a chest catheter so they could perform hemodialysis otherwise he would have died within the coming hours. The week to follow Brook remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for monitoring. All this happened the week before New Year’s 2011. He is now going on almost 12 years of in-center Hemodialysis.

 

Brook has always had a giving and compassionate heart. He has participated and organized many fundraising events. During his youth while attending Crespi Carmelite High School, a Catholic High School in the San Fernando Valley (SFV), he participated in managing the 2nd largest 5k/10k run and walk in the SFV for 9 years. Brook is a true believer that everything happens for a reason. He has always been passionate about helping others and feels it’s his ultimate purpose in life. Through his struggle with Kidney Disease it has given Brook a stronger purpose to help others facing this difficult transition.