From Diagnosis to Artivism: Steve’s Extraordinary Kidney Warrior Journey
In this powerful episode of Diary of a Kidney Warrior Podcast, Dee sits down with Steve — a passionate creative whose life was forever changed by an unexpected diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
At just 30% kidney function and no warning signs, Steve’s diagnosis came as a shock. He takes us through the moment his world shifted: a sudden phone call that catapulted him into the reality of dialysis. What follows is a deeply human story of resilience — navigating peritoneal dialysis, transitioning to haemodialysis, and balancing the demands of treatment with the challenges of self-employment in web design.
But this is no ordinary journey.
Steve opens up about receiving his first kidney transplant, the hope it brought, and the heartbreak when things took a turn — sending him back to dialysis and confronting the fragility of life with CKD. Throughout it all, he emphasises the critical importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system, offering insights that every patient or caregiver needs to hear.
What truly sets Steve apart is how he channels pain into purpose. Through painting, he found not just therapy, but a voice — using art as activism to raise awareness about kidney disease. His work, featured in exhibitions supporting Kidney Care UK, is raw, reflective, and at times, joyfully humorous — a visual diary of his fight and spirit.
The episode builds to a beautiful full-circle moment as Steve shares the emotional story of receiving a second transplant — this time from his brother — and the freedom that followed. His message is clear: creativity can be healing, storytelling is powerful, and no one walking this journey is alone.
If you’re living with CKD, supporting a loved one, or simply need a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and deeply moved.
Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior:
📸Instagram: www.instagram.com/diaryofakidneywarrior
📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/diaryofakidneywarrior
🐦Twitter (X): www.twitter.com/diaryofakidneyw
🎵Tik Tok: @diaryofakidneywarrior
📺Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGUfib7lu9eKENlLJ6lafw
🔵 BlueSky: @diaryofakidneyw.bsky.social
💌 Join the Diary of a Kidney Warrior Family Mailing List
Get updates on new episodes, vlogs, newsletters, and more!
👉🏽👉 Sign up here: https://diaryofakidneywarrior.getform.com/rjv47
📲 Follow Diary of a Kidney Warrior on WhatsApp
Stay updated with new episodes and exclusive content!
👉🏽👉 Join here: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaO3ms71iUxipp1eeh2r
Follow Steve Light
📸 Instagram https://instagram.com/slart.me
💻 Website https://slart.substack.com
Steve's solo exhibition “Memento Vivere” September 6-18th Crypt Gallery, St Pancras New Church Euston Rd., London NW1 2BA All ticket proceeds and a percentage of art sales go to Kidney Care UK.
Memento Vivere Exhibition Link https://cryptlondon.art
Kidney Care Uk
💻 Website: www.kidneycarekuk.org
📧 info@kidneycareuk.org
📞Tel: 01420 541 424
📘Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidneycareuk.org
📷Instagram: @kidneycareuk
🔵Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kidneycareuk.bsky.social
📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeqQTdAsEzXphqjHVtcTD-A
📩 To sign up to receive the Kidney Matters Quarterly Magazine Email: info@kidneycareuk.org
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor, consultant, or
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.