We were lucky to catch up with Sharron Rouse recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sharron , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

If you had asked me years ago what my life would look like today, I would have given a run down of how I wanted to move up the ladder in the field of education and eventually open my own school. I had a plan. It was safe. It was secure. But, life has a way of forcing you into spaces and places you never dreamed of.

In 2006, I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease five months after giving birth to my daughter, which eventually led me into dialysis and later a kidney transplant thanks to my sister. As you can imagine, it was one of the most difficult experiences in my life. However, I continued to work full time during this traumatic time. As a result of my kidney journey, I started a nonprofit organization to help families navigate through kidney disease, dialysis and kidney transplantation.

In 2021, during the pandemic, I was faced with a difficult decision. My job was requiring everyone to return to the workplace, but my doctor did not feel it was safe for me to return due to the immunosuppressant medications I take for my transplanted kidney. Mind you, this was during the heart of the delta/omicron variant. I was torn. What was I going to do? This was unexpected, and my husband and I did not have a plan in place for one income. I considered every scenario possible and worked with human resources to determine all available options which were limited to FMLA or return to work.

I woke up on the day I was set to return to work and decided my health and well being is more important than trying to hold on to a job for the sake of income & health insurance. I mean, it was like my eyes were immediately open to all the possibilities that were potentially out there if I chose “me” and my health. So, I did it! I decided to take the leap and resign from my job. I didn’t know where it would lead me, but I knew I had dreams of where I wanted my nonprofit organization to go.

I resigned in June 2021 and decided to go full steam ahead with my nonprofit organization, Kindness for Kidneys International, Inc. While the process has not been easy, it has been well worth the risk. We secured a grant last year, and I have acquired several contractual opportunities through my newly formed business, SR Consulting Services, LLC. It has been a scary process, but I’d rather endure the pain of change than endure the pain of staying the same.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Passionate. Unique. Loyal. Resilient. These words are commonly used by my family and friends to describe me. I am an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education and nonprofit industries, skilled in program coordination, leadership, community outreach, grant writing/management and curriculum development. Above all of my skills and accomplishments, the thing I am most proud of is that I am a child of God. I want my life to always reflect His love and his purpose for me on this earth. Everything else is secondary.

Kidney disease is a silent killer. 1 in 7 Americans have chronic kidney disease, and most don’t know. As a result of my kidney journey, I have dedicated my life to changing the narrative surrounding kidney disease, especially in communities of color. Kindness for Kidneys International, Inc. was founded in December 2018. We are committed to changing the narrative through education, encouragement, and empowerment. Our support groups, education programs and holiday drives are designed to raise kidney disease awareness while empowering kidney warriors and their families.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Transition can be difficult, especially if the shift is sudden. I recently found myself in the midst of transition in so many areas of my life. Faced with the decision to return to work during the pandemic or choose my health, I chose ME. After spending over 20 years in the field of education, I transitioned to running my nonprofit full time and providing contractual services through my consulting firm. I am learning so much about the medical field and how it is impacting health care among families impacted by kidney disease. Although this process has been challenging, I am super excited about the direction my life and career is headed. I found my “second wind.”

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation within the kidney community has been built around my transparency, commitment and determination to raise kidney disease awareness. I used to sit in the dialysis chair years ago and dream of ways I could give back to my community based on my experiences. I am now walking out many of those dreams and prayers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kindnessforkidneys.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindnessforkidneys/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KindnessforKidneys
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindness-for-kidneys-international-inc/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KKidneys
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kindnessforkidneysinternat8889/featured