That is a name he has earned. He became the “Ironman” when he ran in the physically challenging “Ironman Triathlon competition” on July 25th. 2004. But that is not all. He was the first dialysis patient to run in that race. In case you don’t know, dialysis is a treatment for the chronically ill, to be for specific, kidney patients. His given name is Shad Ireland I met him at the Fresenius Medical Care Center in Hagerstown. He came in to pay his respects on the day when I do my dialysis. I found that what they say about him being passionate about life is one hundred percent true and he and I hit it off wonderfully because I feel the same way. Shad’s kidney disease has shut down his kidneys but not his faith. This is something else he and I share in common. While he and I visited after the interview we talked about our faith in Jesus Christ and I found someone else who accepts what life may send knowing the God will not allow us to be more tried than we are capable of bearing.
If you click on the link at the end of this write you will meet him and, oh yes, you might see my ugly face, too.
I would also like to take this opportunity to salute the doctors, nurses and social workers, secretaries, even the janitors at the Fresenius Center. These are some of the kindest people I know.
I would also like to thank WHAG-TV for their part in making people aware of these folks who are there every day of others.
God bless you all.
With Love,
Cindy