THE KIDNEY ADVOCATE LLC
Empowering Lives. Educating Communities. Advocating for Change.
THE KIDNEY ADVOCATE LLC
Empowering Lives. Educating Communities. Advocating for Change.
Our Mission
At The Kidney Advocate LLC, our mission is to empower those affected by kidney disease through education and support. With nearly three decades of experience, we provide valuable resources to help individuals navigate their journey.
Who We Are
The Kidney Advocate LLC is a patient-led healthcare advocacy and education organization founded by Artise and Marvin Carr.
Built on 27 years of real-life dialysis experience and a passion for change, our mission is to empower kidney patients, educate families, and influence healthcare systems through powerful storytelling, support and action.
What We Do
~ Community Education: Easy-to-understand information on kidney disease, dialysis, and nuttrition.
~ Patient Advocacy: Speaking up for patients in medical and policy settings.
~ Support Services: One-on-one and family coaching through the journey.
~ Fundraising & Awareness: Hosting events and selling merchandise to support our mission.
~ Partnerships: Working with organizations like the American Kidney Fund.
A Journey of Resilience: Artise and Marvin Carr
Artise had always known her body in ways that others couldn't fathom. For the past 27 years, her life had been shaped by the hum of dialysis machines, the sterile scent of hospital rooms, and the steady rhythm of medical appointments. She was no stranger to pain, uncertainty, and the endless string of needles and tubes that had woven themselves into the fabric of her existence. But beneath all that, there was something else — an unyielding force of will that nothing could break.
At 52 years old, Artise’s life was a testament to resilience. She had fought through three kidney transplants, each one leaving her scarred but stronger. For 15 of those years, she had proudly served as an ambassador for the American Kidney Fund, speaking at events, raising awareness, and advocating for others who found themselves navigating the same harsh reality she had lived for so long.
But there was one chapter of her story that not even she could have predicted: motherhood.
At 40, while undergoing dialysis, Artise found out she was pregnant. It wasn’t supposed to happen. The doctors had warned her that pregnancy while on dialysis was a rare and risky possibility. There were so many factors to consider — her compromised kidneys, the constant cycles of treatment, the strain it would put on her body. But Artise wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. She decided, against all odds, to carry her child.
Her husband, Marvin, was her rock through it all. From the very beginning, he stood by her side, unwavering in his support. Marvin had seen her through her darkest moments, from the early days of her diagnosis to the countless hospitalizations. He never doubted that their love could conquer any obstacle. And now, as they prepared to bring a child into the world, he was ready to face the unknown with her.
The pregnancy was difficult, filled with countless hospital visits and complications. But as the months passed, Artise's determination only grew stronger. She was doing this not just for herself, but for the child growing inside her — a child she already loved with every fiber of her being. She named him Asare, which meant “bringer of happiness” in her native language, a name that felt like destiny itself.
The day Asare was born was one of the most surreal moments of Artise’s life. She had defied the odds, and there he was — a perfect, beautiful baby boy, wrapped in blankets and placed in her arms. The joy of holding him, of feeling his tiny heartbeat against her chest, made everything she had gone through worth it. The pain, the exhaustion, the endless treatments — none of it mattered in that moment.
But the journey didn’t stop there. Asare was a healthy child, but Artise’s health was always fragile. Despite her strength, the toll of dialysis and the three kidney transplants had left her with scars — both physical and emotional. She continued to fight for her health, but there were days when the weight of it all seemed too much.
Yet, even in her most difficult moments, Artise found a well of strength she didn’t know she had. She knew that for Asare, she had to keep going. She would not let him see her falter. And she didn’t have to do it alone. Marvin was there, guiding her through the tough times, reminding her that they were in this together.
Through it all, Artise never lost sight of her mission. Her work as an ambassador for the American Kidney Fund had never felt more important. She spoke about her journey, about the struggles and triumphs, and the importance of organ donation. She used her story to inspire others, to show them that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, there was always hope. She became a voice for the millions who were living with kidney disease, and her impact was profound.
Asare grew up, always surrounded by love, strength, and the knowledge that his mother was a warrior. He saw firsthand the resilience of a woman who had faced countless challenges and emerged victorious. He knew the sacrifices she had made, and it shaped him into a compassionate and driven young man.
Now, at 52, Artise looks back on her journey with a quiet sense of pride. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been hers. She has fought for every moment, every breath, and every step she’s taken. And in her heart, she knows that she has not only defied the odds — she has lived a life that will inspire others for generations to come.
Artise is more than a survivor. She is a symbol of strength, love, and perseverance. A woman who, despite all the odds, gave life, love, and hope to the world around her. And her story, still unfolding, is a testament to the power of the human spirit.