In March of 2018, he was in college, earning his degree with honors and working towards a better future. His life took an unexpected turn when his doctor called and told him “Your kidneys are failing and get to the emergency room immediately.” Within hours, he was in an ambulance, and in less than 24 hours he had a dialysis catheter placed in his chest and had started treatment. That moment marked the beginning of a completely different life.
Since then, Adam has endured more than most people will ever face. Multiple strokes impairing his vision, Severe pneumonia, A serious staph infection led to a major surgery where they removed over a third of his chest wall surface area. At one point, he lost so much blood internally that he required massive transfusions and there were moments when he was told by his providers, “We don’t believe you will survive this.”
He Never believed IT and he said “NO, I WILL”.
Adam’s health challenges extend far beyond kidney failure alone and over the years, he has battled complications connected to end stage renal disease such as hypertension, malnutrition, lymphedema, and tumoral calcinosis, a rare condition that causes calcium deposits to form throughout the body. He has endured more time in a hospital than most people spend their whole lives on vacations. The physical toll has affected nearly every aspect of daily life from mobility and stamina to pain management and recovery. Despite the complexity of those medical challenges, Adam continues focusing on progress and rebuilding strength one step at a time. This is where we met Adam at a Skilled Nursing facility longing to go home after two years of being in extended care.
Adams fight to recover has not come through dramatic breakthroughs, but through consistency and determination. Adam has focused on rebuilding strength with resistance bands, practicing standing with a walker, and improving core stability. After everything his body has been through, even sitting independently was a major milestone. His goal is to walk again and share his story with others and how he believes if a stubborn 47 year old Viking can overcome all this, then how can he inspire others on their journeys to recovery.
A major part of that progress comes from the support around him. Christie Wilson, his caregiver through Advanced Care Life Services, brings more than experience into the role. With over 15 years as a caregiver, she describes supporting others as something that is truly at the heart of who she is. She approaches each day with the intention of making it feel meaningful, engaging, and even fun, creating something worth getting up for.
That mindset shapes the environment around Adam. Their days are active and intentional. They work out together, cook meals, and spend time unwinding while enjoying what they have made. Christie focuses on creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere, not just completing tasks, and that energy carries through their routine.
Adam often refers to her as “Chef Christy,” a reflection of the time they spend in the kitchen together. She takes the time to learn what he enjoys while helping him stay on track with healthier choices, and together they turn meal preparation into something enjoyable rather than routine. Cooking becomes a shared experience, one that brings both structure and a sense of normalcy into the day.
From Adam’s perspective, her role goes far beyond caregiving. He describes her as someone who always shows up on time or early, stays positive throughout the day, and is there not only to help keep his home in order but also as someone he can talk to. She supports him with everyday routines like grocery shopping, clothing choices, and even his hair, while consistently encouraging him and recognizing the progress he makes.
More importantly, He values how she treats him with respect and advocates for his needs.
Christie shares, “Adam is funny, witty, and incredibly kind, noting that despite everything he has been through, he continues to show up each day with a smile. “That attitude, she says, makes their time together both inspiring and rewarding, and it reinforces the kind of environment they have built together.
There are still daily challenges inside the home that shape how each day is navigated. Limited accessibility makes simple tasks more complicated than they should be, and some of the equipment he relies on has not kept up with his current level of recovery. These are the kinds of barriers that are not always visible, but they have a direct impact on safety, routine, and independence.
Many of these challenges are tied to health care systems that can be slow, unclear, and difficult to navigate. The RN care team is honored to be able navigate these aspects of care and advocate for DME, Care, and accessibility and is very happy Adam is now getting is own ADA capable bathroom so he can shower at home with ease and safety.
Even with those obstacles, Adam continues to stay engaged in his own progress. He spends time in the kitchen adapting techniques to match his current abilities while sharing what he knows with others. He also documents his journey through videos and online content, offering a real look at both the challenges and the progress he continues to make.
Strength is returning gradually. Movements that once felt out of reach are becoming part of his routine, and each small gain builds confidence. That steady progress continues to reinforce what he has believed from the beginning, that he is not done and that there is more ahead.
Adam’s goal is simple. He wants independence. The ability to move safely through his home, cook his own meals, and spend time outside with the people in his life. His story continues to move forward through persistence, resilience, and a refusal to accept limitations that do not define him. He is not just surviving now, he is thriving and is a testament to the stubborn human spirit and Moxy that surrounds his heritage and desire to thrive.
With continued support from the team at Advanced Care Life Services, Adam is making steady improvements. Each day builds on the last, and while progress comes in small steps, those steps are meaningful. Forward movement, no matter how gradual, is what defines where he is today and where he is going. Congratulations Adam, simply put:
SURVIVE YOU WILL……
