National Kidney Foundation Serving Va

Special Section: Combined Federal Campaign 2009

Retirement Surprise

By Michelle Haley
Regional Comms. & Volunteer Manager, NKF Serving VA

During what should have been a typical retirement examination, retired Army Maj. Fred E. Riley was given news that would impact his life. The doctor informed him that he had high blood pressure, shocking to a person who had been active and hard working his entire life.

Riley was a starter on his high school basketball and football teams. Four days after graduation in 1976, he enlisted in the Army. He graduated with a degree in Sociology and Criminology in 1984 from Hampton University and became a commissioned officer. He then continued his education in Missouri, graduating from Webster University with Master degrees in Management and Human Resource Management.

After barely having time to digest the news about his high blood pressure, Riley received an even greater shock from his doctor a week later – he was in the early stages of kidney disease. Riley could not believe the news.

While coping with the news the best he could, he continued to keep himself busy working in Washington, D.C., as an assistant director and an employment director for various drug rehabilitation programs. After three years, he accepted a position as exec. administrator for the Undersecretary of the Air Force and Director of the National Reconnaissance Office in 2001.

A year later, he found himself blacking out while driving. He managed to make it to the side of the road where he vomited and then continued onto work. Once at work, he passed out completely in the men’s restroom. His kidneys had finally failed. Riley was forced to retire from his government civil service job in 2003.

For the next three years, Riley went to dialysis three times a week, for four hours a day in Hampton. Dialysis is a grueling process in which the blood is filtered through a machine to help keep the body in balance. This artificial kidney removes waste and extra chemicals and fluids from the blood. Once in renal failure, dialysis or transplantation are the only ways to correct the problem.

Luckily, Riley received a kidney transplant in September 2006 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Pittsburgh. His life is finally back to normal. Riley has become actively involved with the National Kidney Foundation Serving Virginia to help spread the word about kidney disease and the need for transplantation. Last year, he helped organize the Hampton Roads Kidney Walk and shared his story with everyone in attendance.
Riley has also utilized his organizational affiliations; Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity Inc., Nathanial Adams Military Lodge #29, Mecca Temple #10 and Jonathan Davis Consistory #1 to help spread the word about kidney disease and support networks.

Kidney disease is quickly becoming an epidemic in this country. One in eight Virginians have or are at increased risk for kidney disease. Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, those over the age of 65 and minorities are at a greatest risk. A doctor can determine who has or who is at risk of developing kidney disease by checking the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which is the best measure of kidney function.

Another option is to attend one of the free health screenings offered by the National Kidney Foundation. The Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) helps detect early signs of kidney disease and can save lives. To find a location of a KEEP screening, or to learn more about the National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease or to get involved in one of this year’s Walks, visit the Foundation’s Web site at www.kidneyva.org or call 804-288-8342. With your help, we can make a difference!

To support the National Kidney Foundation Serving Virginia, designate CFC #56815.