Tiffany Reid

Tiffany Reid was born September 24, 1980. She has lived in South Louisiana her entire life. She grew up with her parents, her sister and her brother. Today, she lives with her wonderful husband and two amazing children.

She did not receive her PH1 diagnosis until just a few years ago, although she has been passing kidney stones since she was 18 months old. Her mom would tell her the story of that first kidney stone and of all the years of emergency room visits, many doctors, hospitals all around the United States and surgeries that are too many to count at this point. Her life has been a journey to discover what was wrong with her body. Her mom was the first person to teach her that she knew her body better than anyone else, and she taught her to always advocate for herself. She would always say to her, “never give up and keep your faith because one day the answer and your purpose for living this life will come to light”.

Before her diagnosis of PH1, she lived her life believing that she just made kidney stones at a rapid rate and there was not anything that would help that fact. She had tried everything every doctor told her to try. Drinking lots of water, eating a certain diet and different medications, although none of these things ever worked. She never stopped trying to find an answer. Through her journey she was blessed to find an amazing man that loved her despite her illness. He asked her to marry him and they have two of the most amazing children. Through all of the ups and downs life has thrown their way, the three of them always gave her a reason to keep fighting.

Now that she knows PH1 caused all of her kidney stones and all of the complications that come from this genetic disorder, she has a peace that is unexplainable. She realizes now more than ever that knowing what is going on in your body is just as important as having a treatment plan and a wonderful doctor. Before her diagnosis, she was almost to the point of losing her hope and faith. Living with a physical illness that becomes debilitating takes a huge toll on your heart and mind. She never forgot the words her mom told her, “never give up”, and she is so glad she did NOT give up.