This is a story that will grab your attention. Joel Dias has a kidney disorder
that causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine. He suffers from
an autoimmune disease called Nephrotic syndrome which is often caused by damage
to small blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste and excess water from
the blood. An underlying health condition usually plays a role. Symptoms
include swelling around the eyes and in the feet and ankles, foamy urine and
weight gain due to excess fluid retention. Treatment addresses underlying
conditions and might include blood pressure medication and water pills.
Joel Dias from Margao,Salcete-Goa took up
cycling to face the challenges due to this syndrome. He suffered for 25 years
but for the past two years, he did not get any major relapse. All this is
thanks to cycling. He remembers being hospitalised at least two times every
year throughout his life, each time for periods as long as three weeks.
However, thanks to extremely supportive parents and good doctors, Joel has
bounced back. He cycled 100km for 100 days. He has been attempting a daily
100kms ride for 3years. However, this year Aug 15, he planned to take up the
challenge of completing 100kms for 100days and he completed it on Nov 24, 2021.
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He said his message for the young generation and for those
aspiring to be fit is, “start accomplishing small goals -One at a time-,
work your way up, have patience and train while you’re waiting for your great
challenge & finally when that great challenge arrives, give it your
100%.”
He thanked GOD for making this happen. He said members of Xaxti
Riders cycling community were always being supportive and encouraging since
2018. The breakfast-bhaji rides, advice from Pro cyclists and the care from the
Xaxti Riders family Joel said was overwhelming. Joel said “In the future I plan
on taking up other cycling challenges like the 24hrs endurance cycling, as long
as all goes well with my health by GODs grace”.
One
can only wish him all the very best.
