At one point, Adam Isaac thought that he might become a professional golfer. But, sidelined from injury, he poured his heart and soul into music. His efforts played off; during his audition for UK’s The Voice, Isaac surprised will.i.am and Sir Tom Jones, both of whom vied to have the singer on their team. Isaac, who joined Jones, made it to the live finals before he was eliminated. But while he faced a challenge during his time on The Voice, Isaac more recently experienced one of the greatest obstacles of his life: his IgA nephropathy (IgAN) diagnosis.

In 2020, shares Kitty Chrisp of Metro UK, Isaac first began feeling ill. His head ached, his skin itched, and he felt immeasurably fatigued. He visited the doctor and, after a slew of tests, was diagnosed with IgAN. Since his diagnosis, Isaac has required dialysis three times each week and has been looking to find a donor. Initially, his mother planned to donate her kidney. However, prior to transplantation, doctors discovered that she had kidney cancer.

Isaac was shocked and humbled when his former friend Jimmy Carpenter reached out and offered help – whether that meant a drink, a moment to cry, or even a kidney. And, after some discussion, Isaac took him up on the offer. Carpenter donated his kidney; the pair underwent surgery in November 2022. Since receiving the transplant, Isaac has been steadily improving. His kidney function has risen from 8% to 50% and he is hopeful for the future.

But most of all, Isaac is immeasurably thankful for the effort his friend made and for saving his life.

About IgAN

Also known as: Berger’s disease 

IgA nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease in which a protein called IgA builds up in the kidneys. Normally, IgA protects the body against foreign invaders. When it accumulates in the kidneys, it causes damage, inflammation, and impaired function. Doctors aren’t exactly sure what causes IgAN. Genes, liver diseases, and Celiac disease have all been implicated. Additionally, IgAN often develops following an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection. This condition is most common in Caucasians and people of Asian-American descent. It is also 2x more common in males than females. Symptoms, which often appear in the teens to late 30s, can include:

• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Foamy urine
• Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
• Pain in the loins and below the ribs
• High blood pressure
• Dry skin
• Little or no inflammation
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Swollen hands and feet
• Kidney failure

Treatment takes a multipronged approach and may include blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatories, diuretics, immunosuppressants, and transplants or dialysis.