How a Patient Care Technician Helped a College Student with Home Dialysis

When 22‑year‑old Elizabeth packed up for her first semester at college, her family felt the usual swirl of emotions — excitement, pride, and understandable fear. But what made Elizabeth’s college send‑off extraordinary wasn’t where she was going. It was what she was bringing with her.

Like most college freshman, Elizabeth H. arrived on campus with bags and boxes full of clothes, school supplies, and dorm room essentials. But unlike most, she was stepping into a room outfitted not just for studying and sleeping — but for dialysis. Everything she needed for treatment was already in place, part of a coordinated effort that went beyond the typical college experience and marked a bold step toward independence.

“I think my parents were definitely scared,” she said, remembering her mom watching one of her training sessions. “She looked at me and said, ‘It’s a lot.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, it is … but I think I got it.’”

Carpe diem: Seizing every day with home hemodialysis (HHD)

Elizabeth was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) at just three years old. At 14, she underwent her first round of dialysis before receiving a transplant. When that kidney began to fail last fall, she knew another major decision was coming, and this time, she wanted (and needed) greater control over her schedule and her life.

“I didn’t know doing dialysis at school was even an option,” she said. “But when I found out I could do it at home, around my schedule, I was like, let’s give it a try.”

Choosing HHD allowed her to stay enrolled full-time in college while keeping her schedule flexible. “I’m able to be more free. I can do more stuff, get out more. I’m done earlier, so I have the rest of the day off.”

From in-center to on campus: A care team that showed up

Elizabeth briefly received treatment in a dialysis center before learning about the option to do home dialysis. That’s when she met Michael, a patient care technician (PCT) at Fresenius Medical Care. “She came in determined,” Michael shared. “She wanted to be independent. She wanted to go to college. My job was to help make that happen.”

Michael’s passion for home dialysis is deeply personal. After serving as his brother’s care partner, he returned to school, earned his certifications, and dedicated his career to supporting patients just like Elizabeth.

Once Elizabeth expressed interest in HHD, the care team moved quickly. She began training the next week. She learned to self‑cannulate, gained confidence in her routine, and worked closely with Michael and nurses to fully prepare before leaving for school.

Michael even visited her at college to coordinate with the campus housing team, ensured her living space met safety requirements, and helped map out how her machine and supplies would best fit in her dorm.

Dorm room dialysis

Elizabeth’s dorm room includes a private space and university-customized accommodations, such as a higher, extra-long bed frame for storing supplies underneath. Thanks to the coordination between the Fresenius Medical Care team and university housing, her dorm was ready before move-in day — complete with a customized bed and her HHD machine already in place.

She performs treatments four days a week, typically for about three hours each day. That’s shorter and more flexible than traditional in-center dialysis, giving her more time and control over her schedule. Depending on her classes, she may dialyze early in the morning, between lectures, or after a full day on campus. Her roommates often keep her company during treatments, offering support that helps her feel connected and at ease.

She still leans on Michael when supply issues pop up. While Elizabeth handles her dialysis independently, support is just a phone call away.

Making a meaningful impact every day

For patients like Elizabeth, dialysis isn’t just about treatment; it’s about continuing to live life fully. With the right care team and support, patients can pursue their goals, build independence, and keep moving forward.

For Michael, being part of that journey is what makes the work meaningful. “This job gives me the freedom to connect,” he says. “To walk with someone from fear to confidence. It’s not just a job. It’s personal.”

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