Tread Strong: Support BIDMC's 2018 Boston Marathon Team

As a child, Noemi Perez suffered from constant urine infections. Years later, she learned that kidney disease ran in her family, but it wasn’t until she was pregnant that she saw a Nephrologist (kidney specialist) for the first time. 

After delivering a healthy baby boy, Noemi was forced to focus on her own health. She was diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by progressive kidney disease, hearing loss and eye abnormalities. Almost all of the women on her maternal side of the family have Alport Syndrome, although at different degrees of severity. Side effects involving blood and high levels of protein in the urine can eventually result in loss of kidney function. 

But Noemi refuses to let this diagnosis define her. A New Jersey native with an interest in running, she found Team BIDMC online and was determined to be a part of it so that she could help raise money for kidney disease research. “I’m running in honor of each and every one of my family members who suffers from Alport Syndrome,” Noemi said. “We may live with this incurable disease but we will not let it direct our path.” 

Noemi is one of 63 Team BIDMC runners who will trek 26.2 miles on April 16. Funds raised in honor of Noemi will benefit kidney disease research led by Martin Pollak, MD. Read more about Noemi’s journey and support Team BIDMC.