Why I became a Kidney Research UK community ambassador
For the past year, 34-year-old Angelina Sanderson from Helensburgh in Scotland, has volunteered as a community ambassador, helping to make a difference for people affected by kidney problems.
She has spent time supporting patients, raising awareness, attending events and sharing her own story to advocate for more research and improvements in care.
We asked Angelina about her experiences to find out more about her motivations and what she enjoys about being a community ambassador.
What motivated you to volunteer?
In 2017, I was diagnosed with a type of hereditary kidney disease called Gitelman syndrome. Nobody can tell me what the future will look like as it is such a rare condition. I may need dialysis or a transplant, but the truth is nobody knows.
Living with that uncertainty is incredibly difficult and frightening, particularly because of the tragic loss of my sister, Rosanna, in 2018. She had a rare, related condition and was only 22 years old when she died.
At the time of her passing she was pregnant with her first child, Lilly. Losing Rosanna and my beautiful baby niece has been devastating for our whole family. Carrying that grief and the fear of what my own future holds is something I have to navigate every day.
I chose to become a volunteer in memory of Rosanna and Lilly. I want to make them proud by creating change and raising awareness. Kidney conditions urgently need more research to ensure patients are not left undiagnosed. If there had been better understanding, maybe Rosanna and Lilly would still be alive today.
What does being a community ambassador mean to you?
It’s all about helping other people. I’ve been supporting patients by providing my local renal unit with resources and information. I’ve attended events, such as the Glasgow Bridges Walk, to help raise money for research. I’ve even attended Parliament to advocate for people affected by kidney disease.
I wish the circumstances that led me to volunteer were different. But if sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, helps drive research or encourages more people to get involved with Kidney Research UK, then it is worth it.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
Living with a condition like mine can be very lonely and isolating. Through volunteering I have met friends for life. People who truly understand and support one another. I’m proud of the work we’re doing, and I believe real change is possible.
Become a community ambassador
If you’d like to raise awareness of kidney disease, promote kidney health and support vital research, you can do so by joining Angelina as a community ambassador.
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