Alex Simmons

Father 1st 🙏 • #PrayFocusGrind • Instagram - Averageblackman 📷 • #Pittsburgh

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

No matter how much pain I'm in
I truly know I'm blessed and thankful for this new journey 💚 #KidneyTransplant

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

Two years ago, I received the greatest gift-a second chance at life through my kidney transplant. These past two years have carried me through challenges, healing, transformation, and an overwhelming amount of gratitude. As I stand here celebrating this milestone, my heart isn't just full.....it's overflowing ❤️ #KidneyTransplant

[South Fayette Township School District @SouthFayetteSD]

To help our 7th graders learn more about one of their RIASEC careers, "Announcer," SFMS was lucky enough to have five impressive professionals visit classes today to talk about their work. Thank you very much to WPXI Jennifer Tomazic, Jatara McGee, Brandon Rossi, Alex Simmons @averageblackman, and Greg Brown @gbrowniepoints. It was an honor to have you share your experience and expertise with our Lions.
#SFLionPride #sfmslions

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

Release the need for recognition from those who were never meant to see you. Seeking validation in places where your energy is unmet only dims your spirit 💕

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

Sitting here with this mic in my hand, I'm not just speaking for myself-I'm speaking for every person whose life has been touched by kidney disease. The appointments, the waiting rooms, the unknowns, the prayers... they're all a part of this journey that so many of us quietly carry. I share my voice because I know how heavy it feels when no one seems to understand. I share my story because maybe, just maybe, it gives someone else the strength to keep fighting ❤️ #kidneyhealth #chronicillness

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

I never realized I even had a story until I found the courage to share mine. That's when I learned that our personal stories truly matter — they have the power to inspire, connect, and remind others that they're not alone ❤️ #chronicillness #kidneyhealth

[American Kidney Fund @KidneyFund]

🎧 Episode 1 of The Kidney Collective™ is live!

Alex Simmons, @averageblackman, athlete, girl dad & transplant recipient, shares his journey from peak health to #dialysis in months.

Listen/watch: https://t.co/kyxG4FKWC6

👇 Tell us your thoughts!

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

This one is close to my heart @KidneyFund has launched its first-ever podcast, The Kidney Collective, amplifying real stories from the kidney community. I'm so grateful to share my journey in this space #kidneyhealth https://t.co/tU72RePP1q

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

You may not see it yet, but everything is quietly aligning in your favor. God is releasing what’s due to you

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

I'm thrilled to be part of a new project with the @KidneyFund working to shine a light on kidney health and its importance. Stay tuned-can't wait to share more with you soon! #kidneyhealth

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

Kidney disease doesn't just affect your body-it transforms your entire life. Unless you've lived it, it's hard to put into words what the fight really feels like. If you're in the middle of it, I see you. If you're healing, waiting, or simply trying to make it through today-know this: you are not alone. This road isn't easy, but we weren't made to just survive. We were made to rise, to fight, and to overcome! #kidneyhealth

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

#kidneyhealth

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

Rooted like the trees around us, growing side by side 💚 #FathersDay

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

Getting genetic testing for APOL1 variants is crucial for understanding your risk of developing kidney diseases, especially if you're of Central or West African descent. By knowing whether you carry these variants, you can take proactive measures to monitor your kidney health and implement strategies to reduce the risk of associated complications. Early detection through genetic testing empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and potentially prevent or delay the onset of kidney diseases #APOL1Aware #AKFAmbassador #organdonation #kidneytransplant #kidneyfailure

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

I’m incredibly honored to be working with the @KidneyFund to help raise awareness about APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) and its impact on kidney health.
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Did you know that certain variations in the APOL1 gene are linked to a higher risk of developing kidney disease? Knowing whether you carry these APOL1 variants could help preserve your kidney function longer and possibly delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The only way to find out if you have these gene variants is through genetic testing.
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We all have two APOL1 genes, but individuals who are Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean, and/or Latina/Latino—especially those with ancestry from West or Central Africa—may carry certain APOL1 variants that increase the risk of AMKD. What’s especially important to understand is that this risk exists even in younger people and those who don’t have diabetes, the most common cause of kidney disease.
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There are six known APOL1 genotypes. My genotype is G1 & G2, which is considered High-Risk. On average, individuals with a High-Risk APOL1 genotype are up to 17 times more likely to develop kidney failure requiring dialysis compared to those with Low-Risk genotypes. However, carrying a High-Risk genotype doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop kidney disease. It’s just one piece of the puzzle—other health factors also play a role.
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While there’s currently no cure or proven way to prevent APOL1-related kidney disease, there are things you can do to help protect your kidneys, such as staying active, eating well, and getting regular checkups to monitor your health.
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Talk to your doctor about APOL1 genetic testing. If your doctor isn’t familiar with it or if insurance is a barrier, visit https://t.co/GHRWaPaLFY to learn more and explore options for low-cost or even free genetic testing if you qualify.
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By learning about APOL1 and sharing this information, we can work toward better screening, more targeted treatment, and stronger support for those affected. Let’s spread the word and keep the conversation going!
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..... #fyp #APOL1Aware #AKFAmbassador #organdonation #kidneytransplant #kidneyfailure #diaylsis #recovery #pittsburgh #faith #terminalillness #fy #recovervispossible #kidneyhealth #survivor #chronicillness #healthylifestyle #kidneydisease

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

https://t.co/taJ8kU1zxf #Pittsburgh

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

You've reached a peak level in your evolution when neither praise or rejection holds any power to move you. At some point you've realized you're not doing any of this for approval. All that matters is you staying in alignment with your destiny. What a liberating place to be 💛

[Alex Simmons @AverageBlackMan]

I genuinely do not believe people treat you how they feel about you. I believe they treat you based on the state of mind they're in