This story teaches us a lesson. Each role we take on in life, as worker, parent, patient, or homeowner, carries some rights. But our rights can only work in our favor if we use them responsibly. You can think of rights and responsibilities as balancing each other on a scale.

You may not have thought about it before, but being a person with kidney disease or kidney failure means you have certain rights. Knowing what these rights are can help you to:

•  Get the best care

•  Know key facts about your health

•  Make good decisions about your treatment

•  Be treated in the manner you deserve