Featured #bloomgirl: Anel Aguirre-Cervantes; Business Owner, Podcast Host, and Total #plannerbabe!

A little back story about me. I was born with only one kidney that stopped working when I was 12 years old. At that time, I needed a transplant and had to start dialysis. In July 1996, I got surgery to get the fistula (a tube used for dialysis) put in. By the grace of God, I went into surgery for my kidney transplant on August 30, 1996 at 4am. I have had my transplant for almost 24 years and I'm still going strong! Having a kidney transplant for this long is literally a MIRACLE! It is one that I do not take for granted. This experience has given me so much, taught me to be grateful, and has given me the desire to serve others.

What are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about helping others through story telling. I am passionate about spreading kidney disease and organ donation awareness. I am working with multiple organizations to spread awareness on kidney disease and organ donation. But I am also working on creating my own podcast, The Brave in Her podcast, launching in July, where I want to share personal stories as well as other people’s courageous stories in hope to inspire others.

What are some of your dreams? 

A dream that I have had since I was a teenager is to go to law school. I want to pursue a law degree to be able to be an advocate for people like me who have a chronic illness. In my law school journey, I want to study disability law, employment law, and healthcare law. I want to be a resource for people if they face discrimination due to having a chronic illness. With my law degree I want to be able to help myself, but also help others. No one should be treated less than just because they are going through something such as an illness that is out of our control. Also, somehow get involved with changing current policies to better protect people with chronic illness.

Another dream of mine since I was a little girl has been to own a fashion boutique. One of my majors in college was fashion merchandising. The dream is to have an online store but eventually have a mobile boutique. I love meeting new people and learning about their journey in life. I would also like to set aside a percentage of all my sales to donate in a cause related to kidney disease. I am still not sure the exact plan but some of the ideas I have are scholarships, donating to an organization such as Donate Life, or something within those lines. Hoping to launch my online boutique soon! Look out for Heavenly Threads Boutique coming soon! 

 

Aside from aspiring to go to law school and opening an online boutique I have partnered up with RenalMate as a co-host for their Health Kidney Interview podcast. We are committed to sharing people’s stories of their kidney disease journey. I am also working on launching a podcast (The Brave in Her Podcast) in July where I want to feature stories of courage and positivity. I strongly believe that by sharing our story we inspire and give hope to those who feel like they are going through a tough time alone. I am one hundred percent sure that God has put me in this planet and going through all I have gone through to help others. Follow The Brave In Her Podcast, here! 

Who is your biggest inspiration? 

My biggest inspiration is my faith in God. But also, listening to other people’s stories of how they were brave and courageous through a tough time.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced, personally or professionally? How have you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been my health. Having to deal with a never-ending list of doctors, doctor appointments, hospital stays, etc. has been tough but I have never let that stop me from setting goals and achieving them. Although having a chronic illness has been the biggest struggle, it has also been the biggest blessing. I am able to use my journey and experience to help others who are facing similar journey.

If you could talk to yourself 5 years ago, what advice would you give yourself? 

If I could talk to my 31-year-old self, I would tell her to not give up. Chase your dreams! Don’t be embarrassed to talk about your journey. Sharing our story gives us so much power. The power to heal, to connect, to be able to grow and learn from each other.

Tell us about an experience that has helped shape you. 

The learning experience that has shaped me to who I am is definitely my journey through kidney disease. I was born with kidney disease and so in a way it defines me. Since early age, I had to always juggle more than most people. It made me organized, disciplined, and responsible.

What are your favorite bloom products, and why?

My favorite bloom products are the Encouragement Cards and Stickers! Giving others encouragement truly makes a difference! You can make someone’s day by just simply sharing an encouraging card, word, or gesture. The stickers make my planner look pretty and that makes me happy!