By Krystle J Bailey
“Third time’s the charm,” declared Will Kleemeier just days prior to his wheel dipping ceremony in Ocean City. Kleemeier crossed the finish line this past Saturday after a cross-country bike tour with several unexpected delays. The Pennsylvania native battles a genetic condition known as Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD. Eighteen years ago after his mother’s PKD diagnosis, Will found out he also carried the incurable disease that affects over 600,000 Americans. Following his diagnosis, he set out on a mission to raise awareness while he was still well enough to do so.
Polycystic Kidney Disease causes many cysts to grow inside of the kidney, ultimately forcing the kidney to grow in size resulting in kidney failure. Many individuals with PKD inevitably end up needing dialysis or a kidney transplant. The genetic disease currently has no cure and typically does not skip generations. Symptoms typically start between 30-50 years old and include pain in the back and sides, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, UTIs, and kidney stones. Imaging scans and genetic testing are used to diagnose PKD.
Will Kleemeier’s kidneys have been growing in size and are currently the size of a football. Growing up in Bucks County, PA, Will’s love of bicycling began at an early age so when he decided to do something big to raise awareness for PKD, the 3,500 mile trek from Oregon to New Jersey was the perfect fit.
“My kidney function is continuing to decline,” explains Kleemeier. “I’m looking at the possibility of dialysis or a transplant but as of now, I was still healthy enough to bike.”
After speaking with his wife and teenage boys, Will decided that there was a short window of time to complete the mission. In June, he dipped his rear bike tire in the Pacific Ocean, a tradition for cross-country bicyclists, then set out on his way. His 19-year-old son who had just graduated from high school offered to drive the support van as Will rode from Oregon to Chicago.
Will’s original plans to finish his ride in August of this year were deterred when he encountered an unfortunate bike accident in Chicago. Facing strong headwinds, he flipped over his handlebars and broke his elbow, landing him a six-week hiatus from biking. Determined to finish, Will got back on his bike in September. This time, his sister drove the support van as he headed from Chicago with plans to finish in Ocean City. Another speedbump in the road delayed his ride when he tested positive for Covid just a day before he planned to finish.
Upon recovery, Will made the decision to shorten his rides in order to take care of his health along the way. Against all odds, his front tire finally found its way to the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday November 26th. The wheel dipping ceremony signifies good fortune, luck, and success at the beginning of the ride and celebration of the journey on the tail end of the ride.
“I want people to know that just because you have this disease doesn’t mean your life is over,” shares Will who will continue to advocate and raise awareness for PKD but is looking forward to a month of rest following his cross-country ride.
Donations can be made towards Will’s mission through the end of the year at pedalingforkidneydisease.org.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
