SU Fall 2001 grad endures to walk across stage

Strength, courage and determination are characteristics that can describe a lot of graduates, but that’s what one grad needed just to become a Southern University graduate.
Terry Brown, 26, Criminal Justice major from Baton Rouge was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) during the Fall of 1995. Driven and determined to not let his illness get the best of him, Brown focused on two things getting better with the help of dialysis and receiving his associate’s degree in criminal justice from Southern University.
“It was depressing at first. In due time I had to get used to it, my family support was wonderful if it had not been for them I would never made it,” said Brown.
ESRD occurs when chronic renal failure progresses to the point at which the kidneys are permanently functioning at less than 10% of their capacity. The kidney function is so low that without dialysis or kidney transplantation, complications are multiple and severe. About four out of every 10,000 people living in America has ESRD.
Once diagnosed with ESRD, Brown’s body experienced several changes such as loss of appetite and weight .
Brown has been working on his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice while attending dialysis four times a week. As for his future plans, he wants to work in a correction facility because he took an early interest in law as a child.
“Even though I’m on dialysis three times a week for four hours each time, I still won’t say, ‘Let me stop.’ I gotta keep going,” said Brown.
Brown credits his mother, Elouise Lane, with helping him become responsible to be the man he is, and also for instilling ambition in him.
“I’m very proud that he was so determined to go to school through all his trials and tribulations. It’s amazing that despite his illness that he is able to get his degree,” said Lane.
Brown admits when he first found out about the disease he did not want to let anyone know of his condition because he did not want anyone to look at him as less than he is. Once he got more informed and comfortable with himself, he felt there was no reason to hid his illness anymore.
” In the beginning, I didn’t like to tell anyone that I had kidney failure. In due time I finally said, ‘Why hide it?’” said Brown.
Brown says that people should not treat someone with ESRD as someone who is contagious or has a fatal disease; they should be treated with respect just like everyone else.
“The best advice I can give someone who is going through the same thins as I am, is to face the adversity and never give up,” said Brown.