Narelle Adem
,
Australia
In May 2024, my son Joel went for routine blood tests—something we expected to be uneventful—only to discover he was already in kidney failure and was subsequently diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy. Like many families, we had never heard of IgAN before that moment, and we were suddenly navigating the shock, grief, and complexity of a diagnosis that had gone undetected until it had already progressed significantly. In those early weeks, finding the IgA Nephropathy Foundation and joining a caregiver support call connected us with people who truly understood and confirmed my decision to become more involved. Since then, Joel received a kidney transplant from a living donor in January 2026. As an Australian Ambassador, I am committed to advancing awareness, earlier diagnosis, and better support so more families are diagnosed sooner and outcomes can change.
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I love traveling and discovering new places, and one of my most unforgettable experiences was trekking to Base Camp of Mount Everest in 2016—an unforgettable journey that taught me resilience and perspective. Family and friendships are everything to me. I treasure time spent with loved ones and never miss the chance to cheer on my boys as they play Australian Rules Football (AFL)—go Penno! My advocacy for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is deeply personal and purpose-driven. As a parent, I’m committed to raising awareness, supporting others in their journey, and helping drive change across research, education, and care for people living with IgAN
