Hello, I am Gene Blankenship. My family and I live in a small town located in Northeastern, Oklahoma in the heart of the Cherokee Nation. My first memory of kidney disease was watching my dad as he treated at home around the age of 10 (1988). He passed when I was 12 years old from complications of kidney disease. His dad, my grandpa, also passed too soon due to complications from kidney disease. I have lost other relatives who also suffered from ESRD, and I have some who are currently on dialysis. I was diagnosed with PKD in 2003. I found out I had end stage renal failure from a routine doctor’s visit. My blood pressure was the first sign. I currently treat at a dialysis clinic on the Cherokee Nation Reservation three times per week. I am on three separate transplant lists in two separate regions of the United States. I am listed at The University of Arkansas Little Rock (WPS!!!), Integris Health System in Oklahoma City, and St. John Ascension in Tulsa, OK. Kidney disease, specifically Polycystic Kidney Disease, has been a significant passenger in my life and has caused most life decisions to be reevaluated. I want to help those who are in the kidney failure fight.
As a former State of Arkansas and State of Oklahoma Child Abuse Investigator, I quickly realized the need for representation amongst my fellow state workers. After two years with the State of Oklahoma, I transitioned to Oklahoma Public Employees Association where I could assist other state employees with a wide range of issues. My job takes me across the state of Oklahoma as the Northeastern Oklahoma Representative. Oklahoma Public Employees Association is a state employee led organization. I speak on a daily basis with both active and retired state employees about improving pay, benefits, grievance assistance, mediation, legislation, and much more. Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribes, and I am proud to be a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation.
I am thankful and fortunate to have the opportunity to serve on the Dialysis Patient Citizens Board of Directors. Advocacy is now a must in our society. Everyday Americans have limited access to legislators in D.C., which makes the mission of DPC that much more important. I cannot stress the importance of your unique story. It needs to be told. I would encourage you to become a patient Ambassador, make phone calls, write letters, and become involved in your area. It only takes one drop of water to start a ripple effect of change.
I am asked all the time about my positive attitude towards my kidney disease journey. My motivation is from my family. My four beautiful, wonderful kids Addyson (17), Dawson (16), Colton (14), and Gideon (4 going on 30). I want to see every graduation, wedding, birthday and every second in between. Therefore, my focus is my health along with improving the healthcare of others. It would be impossible for my wife to be any more supportive. Stacy is absolutely my biggest cheerleader. I could do nothing without her and my family. I am a blessed man surrounded by the best family and friends
