TONY V. MARTIN | THE TIMES Shad Ireland shares a laugh Monday with fellow dialysis patient Simon Rice, of Gary, at the Fresenius Medical Care Center in Gary. Ireland is the only dialysis patient to complete an Iron Man triathlon, and he is on a nationwide tour to encourage fellow patients to exercise.

Shad Ireland has walked the walk with kidney failure and dialysis for 26 years. But he also biked, swam and ran to complete the grueling Iron Man triathlon and continues to compete as a triathlete in contests around the United States.

On Monday, Ireland visited fellow kidney dialysis patients at three Fresenius Medical Care centers in Merrillville, Gary and East Chicago to spread a message of hope. In addition to receiving a dialysis treatment at one center, the 36-year old Minnesota native spoke to individual patients about their hopes and dreams.

Ireland's visit to the region is part of a nationwide tour of Fresenius dialysis centers. The tour kicked off two weeks ago in Massachusetts and will continue until July, when Ireland will participate in the first of five triathlon competitions. He will return to the Chicago area to compete in the Windy City's Life Time Fitness triathlon Aug. 24.

During his visits Monday, Ireland stressed the need for dialysis patients to exercise on a regular basis.

And to help provide that much-needed physical activity, Ireland's Shad Ireland Foundation provides gym memberships, time with personal trainers and home gym equipment for dialysis patients free of charge.

"We work with dialysis patients from 10 to 80 years old," Ireland said. "We want to give every dialysis patient fitness opportunities, to provide the inspiration and the tools.

"Physical fitness reduces fatigue, reduces nausea and increases energy."

Within 30 to 60 days, those on dialysis feel better, he said.

Walking is a major form of exercise for 43-year old Cassandra Pruitt, of Gary.

On dialysis for the past year, Pruitt said she's looking forward to working with the Shad Ireland Foundation to increase her exercise regime.

For 20-year old Kendra Gordon, the Gary center's youngest patient, Ireland had special words of encouragement. Diagnosed with lupus at age 13, Gordon underwent peritoneal dialysis for four years while finishing high school at Gary's Wirt High School.

"I was in the hospital and got peritonitis. I've been on hemodialysis for a year and a half," she said. "If I can feel better, I'd like to go to college."

"You're going to get there," Ireland told the young woman. "At your age, it's tough to be in this situation. But struggle makes us stronger. You hold onto hope."