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MEET A WARRIOR
Profiles of The Fight
The "Meet a Warrior" page serves as an inspiring digital gallery of resilience, spotlighting members of the Nephro Warriors community who are bravely battling kidney disease. Each profile features a short Q & A of the individual, detailing their journey, diagnosis, and current treatment modality, such as dialysis or transplant. Crucially, the page includes a selection of compelling interview questions that delve into their personal challenges, the support systems they rely on, and their efforts in advocacy, transforming their medical condition into a powerful narrative of hope, courage, and awareness for the public. Also included in the profile will be social links and links to their transplant profile if it is available for that Warrior.
Our Founder & President: Patrick Colson from Lake Forest, Ca
The Warrior, The Person
Q - Can you provide a little snapshot of the Warrior in you? Family, career, hobbies...etc. Help us get to know you."
A - PC: "I am a 20 year career heavy equipment operator, animal lover, who cares deeply for my family and friends. I am a big sports fan for my Los Angeles teams. I enjoy being creative in many different disciplines...woodworking, painting and anything with my hands. And trying to build Nephro Warriors, of course ;) "
The Diagnosis and Initial Shock
Q - "Could you walk us through the moment you first received your diagnosis, and describe the initial impact and feelings that came with learning you had chronic kidney disease (CKD)? What was the most difficult aspect of that early adjustment period?"
A - PC: "I definitely was in shock. But I was oddly calm as well, and instantly had the "ok, how do we fight this" The most difficult aspect has been having to put my career as a heavy equipment operator on hold.
The 'New Normal' and Daily Life
Q - "For those who don't know, managing kidney disease involves significant changes, often including dialysis or preparing for a transplant. What does a typical day look like for you now, and what’s one routine or tool you rely on most to manage your health?"
A -PC: "A typical day starts pretty early, sometimes 1 or 2 am, dialysis insomnia is a real thing, coffee and the laptop, doing work for the Nephro Warriors site. Later in the morning, I begin setting up the NXStage machine to do my dialysis treatment. Some days include a short Tai Chi routine, a walk outside or taking care of my 3 year old niece, and doing the household chores. Treatment in the early afternoon, after my Battle Buddy (my wife/care partner) gets home from work, then some days the gym, dinner and off to bed to do it again. One tool I use is being POSITIVE!
The Warrior Mentality (Resilience)
Q - "As a 'Nephro Warrior.' Where do you find the strength or the 'warrior' spirit to face this ongoing battle? Was there a specific moment or person that helped you shift your perspective from feeling like a victim to feeling like a fighter?".
A - PC: "I believe the "Warrior" strength comes from within. The will to want to not survive this disease but to thrive through it. My wife, confidently, standing by my side every step of the way adds fuel to the drive to press on and fight with all I have.
Advocacy and Awareness
Q - "Kidney disease is often called a 'silent epidemic.' What is the biggest misconception you feel the public has about CKD, and what one message about prevention, early screening, or living donation do you want everyone to take away from hearing your story?"
A - PC: "I think the biggest misconception is the "You don't look sick" mentality. This disease has warning signs that can be written off as so many different things. Listening to your body and talking to your doctor, honestly, are so important. Also, trying to get people to understand that kidney transplant is not a cure, but merely a different treatment for this disease.
The Support System
Q - "Dealing with a chronic illness is rarely a solo mission. Can you describe the role your family, friends, or your "Battle Buddies" have played in your journey? What would you tell a new patient about the importance of building a support system?"
A - PC: My wife, my family, and friends have been very supportive. And that is really a key to keeping up the fight. It is one of the things that spawned to Battle Buddies Initiative. We want to build a nationwide network of "battle buddies" that can be a supplement to a Nephro Warriors fight. A tool to break the feelings of isolation and loneliness that can come from being a chronic illness Warrior.
Looking Ahead (Hope and Goals)
Q - "What are you looking forward to most in the next year? And, whether it’s through your health, career, or personal passions, what is the ultimate goal you are currently fighting for?"
A - PC: There are so many layers to that question, on the health side, continue to pursue the transplant option, hopefully a living transplant, I hope to be able to get back to being a heavy equipment operator, and continue the work with Nephro Warriors. And there is so much to do, from raising awareness, fostering advocacy and supporting Nephro Warriors and Battle Buddies. And most of all, CONTIUING TO THRIVE!
Dialysis, Transplant: What's the Modality?
Q - Are you currently on, or in the process of getting on a transplant list? If Yes, where? If No, Why and what modality are you currently using.
A - PC: I am in the process of being evaluated for 2 lists, UC Irvine and UC San Diego. I will provide the links to those living donor profiles when they are available. I use home hemo dialysis as my treatment for now.
Social Links
A Warriors Parting Words
Q - "Is there anything you would like to add, any personal notes or shoutouts?"
A - PC: "Shout out to my wife, my Battle Buddy, my ROCK, I Love You and please consider being a living donor."
Hans Sinsel Age: 30 Location: Southern California
The Warrior, The Person
Q - Can you provide a little snapshot of the Warrior in you? Family, career, hobbies...etc. Help us get to know you."
A - HS: "My wife and I were married November 3rd 2024. My hobbies include magic the gathering, building legos, camping, and going to Disneyland. I actually work at Disneyland in retail on mainstreet. I remember growing up going to disneyland thinking how cool it would be to work their, and now I am. I am in the middle of a masters program fully online with grand canyon university. It's an MBA with a concentration in strategic human resource management. I love spending time with my immediate family as well as with my in-laws. Family is super important for me. They have been my main source of support through having ckd. "
The Diagnosis and Initial Shock
Q - "Could you walk us through the moment you first received your diagnosis, and describe the initial impact and feelings that came with learning you had chronic kidney disease (CKD)? What was the most difficult aspect of that early adjustment period?"
A - HS: "I was diagnosed April 19th 2021. The weeks leading up to being diagnosed I fell really sick. I was throwing up after every meal, felt really fatigued, causing me to sleep at random times of the day, and diarrhea most days. When I finally went to the ER I did a few blood samples, and and EKG. I realized something was really off when they had me do an ultrasound of my kidneys. After waiting about an hour I was assigned a temporary bed. A doctor came into my unit and literally said, “I’m not going to sugar coat anything, your kidneys failed, they’re not working at all, and they shrank. You’ll need to start dialysis and now need a kidney transplant.” I had so many emotions run through me in that moment. I was mostly scared and confused. I have no relation to anyone with kidney failure. There isn’t a history of Kidney failure in my family, and I did not know what dialysis was. After the doctor told me I was diagnosed, through the emotions I was feeling I went into “business mode”. All I asked was, “what is the next step so I can live”
The 'New Normal' and Daily Life
Q - "For those who don't know, managing kidney disease involves significant changes, often including dialysis or preparing for a transplant. What does a typical day look like for you now, and what’s one routine or tool you rely on most to manage your health?"
A -HS: "Well I am definitely a “busy bee”. I have to juggle dialysis, work, school, and time with my wife and family. A usual full day with all of these things looks like this. I wake up around 9:00 a.m. eat breakfast and relax. I try to start dialysis by 11:00 a.m. or 12 p.m. While hooked up to dialysis, I do a majority of my school work, talk with my wife, and watch YouTube. When I unhook I may have some time to do some other chore or get a work out in before heading to work. I work closing shifts at Disney. I usually eat dinner when I get home. My wife waits up for me and we have an hour or two before we go to be.
I actually had a kidney transplant June 3rd 2025. However, the kidney failed and was removed June 11th 2025. I had 3 month medical leave and in that time I recovered and had UCLA (transplant center) appointments. Now I only go to UCLA once every 3 months. I’m back on the transplant list as of October 3rd 2025 and got all of my time back on the list. I still currently take a low dose of anti-rejection medications.
Too help with fluid intake I use a bottle that has exactly the volume of a Liter. To help with medications I take I use daily pill organizers. I use my phone for appointments and medication reminders."
The Warrior Mentality (Resilience)
Q - "As a 'Nephro Warrior.' Where do you find the strength or the 'warrior' spirit to face this ongoing battle? Was there a specific moment or person that helped you shift your perspective from feeling like a victim to feeling like a fighter?".
A - HS: "I believe the "Warrior" strength comes from within. The will to want to not survive this disease but to thrive through it. My wife, confidently, standing by my side every step of the way adds fuel to the drive to press on and fight with all I have."
Advocacy and Awareness
Q - "Kidney disease is often called a 'silent epidemic.' What is the biggest misconception you feel the public has about CKD, and what one message about prevention, early screening, or living donation do you want everyone to take away from hearing your story?"
A - HS: "I have always been a positive person, so its easy for me to see the positive or at least optimistic side of things. I am Christian, so I find a lot of help in prayer. I also find tremendous strength from the support of my darling wife and amazing family. I don’t think I have ever felt victimized, per se. I always felt like a fighter in this, always thinking positively and ready for the next step. This isn’t to say I do not let myself feel sad. I have those moments where I cry and get a little upset. I share them with my wife who is always there to lift me up."
The Support System
Q - "Dealing with a chronic illness is rarely a solo mission. Can you describe the role your family, friends, or your "Battle Buddies" have played in your journey? What would you tell a new patient about the importance of building a support system?"
A - HS: "Well as I have mentioned before my support system is strong. I have an amazing wife, family and friends. I could not imagine doing all of this alone. I would let a new patient know to have vulnerable moments with your support group! Preferably in person with people you love and trust. Having a support system helps with people who can lift you up in hard moments, laugh with you in great moments, and be there in general for normalcy in our lives with CKD."
Looking Ahead (Hope and Goals)
Q - "What are you looking forward to most in the next year? And, whether it’s through your health, career, or personal passions, what is the ultimate goal you are currently fighting for?"
A - HS: "I have a few goals for this next year. I am truly hoping to have a new kidney from a living donor by the end of 2026. I will be a few months away from finishing my masters program by the end of 2026. I want to make 2026 a year of concerts! There a bunch of artists my wife and I want to see. I hope to go full time at Disney as I am currently only part-time. These are the main goals for 2026."
Dialysis, Transplant: What's the Modality?
Q - Are you currently on, or in the process of getting on a transplant list? If Yes, where? If No, Why and what modality are you currently using.
A - HS: "I am on home hemo dialysis. 5- 6 days a week about 3 hours per treatment. I was just approved for the transplant list with UCLA October 3rd."
Social Links
A Warriors Parting Words
Q - "Is there anything you would like to add, any personal notes or shoutouts?"
A - HS: "I believe this life is a life of progress. To be better than we were yesterday, always progressing, even if it's 1% better.
Shout out to my wife for always being there for me, as well as the rest of my family and friends.
Shout out to the TikTok dialysis community! There are so many patients on the platform who share their own experiences with CKD, and I love it! r."
Troy Snead Age: Early 50s Location: Maricopa, AZ
The Warrior, The Person
Q - Can you provide a little snapshot of the Warrior in you? Family, career, hobbies...etc. Help us get to know you."
A - TS: "I’m a husband, father, and grandfather who puts God first in everything. I’m also a former Marine, a serial entrepreneur, and a life and health coach. I currently run several businesses, including a health-based company called Innovative Beauty & Optimal Health (IBOH) and a coaching brand called Hospinetics. When I’m not building businesses or mentoring others, I love spending time with my wife Tanya and our family, writing, and creating content that helps people live with purpose. . "
The Diagnosis and Initial Shock
Q - "Could you walk us through the moment you first received your diagnosis, and describe the initial impact and feelings that came with learning you had chronic kidney disease (CKD)? What was the most difficult aspect of that early adjustment period?"
A - TS: "When I first learned I had chronic kidney disease, I was in complete disbelief. I had always been strong and disciplined, so hearing that my kidneys were failing hit hard. The toughest part wasn’t the treatments, it was accepting the new limitations and trusting that God still had a plan for my life. Over time, I realized that even in this challenge, God was preparing me to serve others who would walk the same road.
The 'New Normal' and Daily Life
Q - "For those who don't know, managing kidney disease involves significant changes, often including dialysis or preparing for a transplant. What does a typical day look like for you now, and what’s one routine or tool you rely on most to manage your health?"
A -TS: "My days are carefully structured around dialysis treatments, business work, and personal development. I wake up early for prayer and devotion, then focus on my coaching and marketing projects. On treatment days, I ride a stationary bike and use that time for reflection or learning. The biggest tool I rely on is discipline, and my faith. They help me stay consistent, productive, and grateful. ."
The Warrior Mentality (Resilience)
Q - "As a 'Nephro Warrior.' Where do you find the strength or the 'warrior' spirit to face this ongoing battle? Was there a specific moment or person that helped you shift your perspective from feeling like a victim to feeling like a fighter?".
A - TS: "My strength comes directly from my relationship with God. There was a moment when I realized this wasn’t punishment, it was purpose. That shift changed everything. I began to see dialysis not as a setback but as a platform. I’m a three-time cancer survivor and have gone through multiple kidney transplants, yet I’m still here. That’s grace. And because of that, I fight, not just for myself, but for everyone who feels like they’ve lost hope."
Advocacy and Awareness
Q - "Kidney disease is often called a 'silent epidemic.' What is the biggest misconception you feel the public has about CKD, and what one message about prevention, early screening, or living donation do you want everyone to take away from hearing your story?"
A - TS: "The biggest misconception is that dialysis means life is over. It’s not, it’s just different. People can still live meaningful, productive, purpose-filled lives. I want everyone to understand the power of early screening and lifestyle awareness, but also the importance of faith and mindset. Your body may be fighting, but your spirit can still win. "
The Support System
Q - "Dealing with a chronic illness is rarely a solo mission. Can you describe the role your family, friends, or your "Battle Buddies" have played in your journey? What would you tell a new patient about the importance of building a support system?"
A - TS: "My family is my anchor. My wife Tanya has been my rock through it all, appointments, treatments, and the emotional ups and downs. My kids and
grandkids give me purpose, and my extended family and church family pray me through. I tell every new patient: build your tribe. You can’t fight this battle alone. Having people who remind you who you are when you forget makes all the difference"
Looking Ahead (Hope and Goals)
Q - "What are you looking forward to most in the next year? And, whether it’s through your health, career, or personal passions, what is the ultimate goal you are currently fighting for?"
A - TS: "I’m currently on the transplant list, believing for my third kidney transplant. Beyond that, I’m building my coaching program for dialysis patients, creating a platform called Dialysis Disciples, and working toward a long-term vision, a Dialysis Resort and Retreat that combines health, rest, and spiritual renewal. My ultimate goal is to help others thrive on dialysis, not just survive it. "
Dialysis, Transplant: What's the Modality?
Q - Are you currently on, or in the process of getting on a transplant list? If Yes, where? If No, Why and what modality are you currently using.
A - TS: "Yes. I’m currently on the kidney transplant list and my son is being worked up to donate. I’m on hemodialysis three times a week while waiting, trusting God’s perfect timing. ."
Social Links
Social Links
Social Links
A Warriors Parting Words
Q - "Is there anything you would like to add, any personal notes or shoutouts?"
A - TS: "I just want to encourage anyone facing kidney disease, don’t lose faith. God can use your pain for purpose. Every treatment is a reminder that you’re still here for a reason. Keep believing, keep fighting, and let your life become the testimony someone else needs to see.."