Never Fade Into Darkness: A Celebration of Art, Resilience, and Kidney Health
On March 1, 2025, The-Loft Long Beach transformed into a space of resilience and creativity, hosting the Never Fade Into Darkness Art Show. More than an exhibition, this event united artists, healthcare advocates, and community members to highlight kidney health, chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention, and organ transplantation through powerful visual storytelling and discussions. Hosted by Dialysis Education Services (DES) and Musings with Morales, the evening combined art, education, and advocacy, featuring live interviews, expert panels, and an immersive experience both in-person and virtually.
How the Event Came to Life
The inspiration for the event took shape when dialysis patient and talented artist Justin Pham shared his powerful story on Musings with Morales (Episode 21, June 2024). His authentic and compelling journey deeply impacted both Melissa LaValle and Michael Morales, who individually found themselves reflecting on Justin’s experience, each contemplating how they might amplify his voice and support his cause.
Justin returned to the podcast in September 2024 (Episode 34), joined by dialysis technician and kidney transplant recipient Walid Hamdard, and wellness advocate and transplant recipient Marc “The Kidney Fighter” Coronel. Their discussion further underscored the urgency of raising awareness, improving education, and building stronger community support for individuals affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Following these podcast episodes, Michael and Melissa discovered in a conversation that they’d both been privately brainstorming ways to support Justin and others in need of transplants. Realizing their shared vision, Michael reached out to Justin to explore organizing some kind of impactful event. On their next call, Justin shared that his former roommate had captured a series of raw and powerful photographs documenting his daily dialysis experience. He explained he’d always envisioned showcasing these emotional images in an art exhibition but had never been able to bring that dream to life.
This pivotal conversation became the catalyst for Never Fade Into Darkness—an event created not only to highlight Justin’s personal journey but also to elevate the broader conversation surrounding kidney disease, dialysis treatment, and the vital importance of organ transplantation.
With a dedicated team, including Kessiah Abaniel of DirectFil and Dominic from The-Loft Long Beach, the vision quickly became a reality. Sponsors such as Bion and HDG Link enthusiastically stepped up, providing crucial support and ensuring the event would create a lasting, meaningful impact.
Art and Advocacy for Kidney Disease Prevention
This event was more than an exhibition—it was a platform for education and advocacy. Proceeds supported kidney disease awareness initiatives, early detection programs, and transplant advocacy efforts, benefiting organizations like the University Kidney Research Organization (UKRO) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).
The evening showcased powerful artwork, live performances, and expert-led discussions. Justin Pham’s photography series gave attendees an intimate and raw look at the realities of living with peritoneal dialysis.
“I just wanted to say that everything that I’m doing here is not just for myself—it’s for everyone. My story is their story as well. Seeing everything come together like this is truly beautiful. And of course, Morales making this all happen—it’s incredible.” – Justin Pham
Reflections from Kidney Health Advocates
The Never Fade Into Darkness event was filled with powerful moments, where speakers shared deeply personal experiences and words of encouragement that resonated with attendees. These voices reinforced the importance of advocacy, community, and hope in the fight against kidney disease.
“Kidney disease doesn’t have to define you. It’s about finding your strength, your community, and your purpose. Events like this show us that we’re not alone, and together, we can make a difference.” – Marc “The Kidney Fighter” Coronel
Walid Hamdard, a dialysis technician and kidney transplant recipient, shared his gratitude:
“It was an honor to attend and speak at an event that brings awareness and hope to all of those affected by kidney disease.”
Amy Hewitt, Executive Director of NKF and a living kidney donor, shared: “If anybody’s considering donation, look into it, get educated, and take the next step. My quality of life is even better after donating. Events like this are crucial for educating and inspiring potential donors.”
“Events like this are essential. They bring awareness and help people understand that kidney disease doesn’t define who you are—it’s just part of the journey. It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and each other, and tonight is exactly how we do it.” – Jonathan Diaz, RD
The Power of Collaboration
The success of Never Fade Into Darkness was made possible through the collaborative efforts of artists, advocates, and dedicated sponsors who believed in the mission from the start. Their support ensured the evening was impactful and meaningful for everyone in attendance.
Title Sponsors: Dialysis Education Services and Musings with Morales
Hosting Venue: The-Loft Long Beach
Platinum Sponsor: HDG Link
Gold Sponsors: Bion, Hallelujah Project, and MG1 Financial
Silver Sponsors: Kinah Mae Home, HHD Renal Consultant and Services, Inc., Myles Beyond Celebration Services, DirectFil, Petal and Prickly’s
Bronze Sponsors: Dialysis Approved, Franci Mohnani, and Alysia Perez
The event also marked a milestone for Musings with Morales, which produced a special podcast episode capturing the voices of the event’s speakers and artists. Current and former dialysis technician students from Dialysis Education Services attended, engaging with advocates and gaining real-world insights into the impact of their profession.
Speakers Who Made an Impact
Jonathan Diaz, RD – Renal Dietitian specializing in kidney health and nutrition
Marc Coronel – Wellness & Health Consultant, Writer, and Kidney Transplant Recipient
Walid Hamdard – Certified Dialysis Technician trained by Michael Morales at Dialysis Education Services, and Kidney Transplant Recipient
Amy Hewitt – Executive Director, National Kidney Foundation and Living Kidney Donor
Lewis Kleinberg – UKRO Board Member and advocate for kidney research
Jimmy Quinzon – Artist and Kidney Transplant Recipient
Justin Pham – Featured artist and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient
A Night to Remember
As the evening drew to a close, attendees left with more than just memories of compelling artwork and heartfelt stories—they left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to supporting kidney health advocacy.
Michael Morales summarized the evening’s call to action perfectly:
“My hope is that those considering living donation take that first step tonight. For everyone else, I hope they proudly add that donor sticker to their driver’s license—it’s a simple action that can save hundreds of lives.” – Michael Morales
Looking Ahead :
Planning for next year’s event is already in motion! If you’re an artist passionate about using your work for advocacy or a sponsor looking to make a difference, now is the time to get involved. Let’s grow this movement together.
To inquire about being a featured artist or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact social@dialysiseducation.net
Together, we can continue to shine a light on kidney disease, support those battling it, and inspire action through the power of art and advocacy.
Explore your potential and make a meaningful impact in healthcare today. If you’re considering a career as a Certified Dialysis Technician or want to learn more about training programs, schedule a free 15-minute informational call with our admin. To hear more inspiring stories and insights from the dialysis field, check out our podcast series, “Musings with Morales“.