September 25, 2025
Asiana Swift-Miller doesn’t just shine on stage. She’s shining a light on kidney disease, too. Inspired by her grandfather’s journey with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and her own polycystic kidney disease (PKD) diagnosis, she’s using her platform as Universe United Ms. Tennessee to make kidney disease more visible and impossible to ignore.
Honoring Her Grandfather’s Fight with CKD
Asiana was first introduced to kidney failure as a child when her grandfather was diagnosed.
“It was a shock to our family,” Asiana said. “We quickly learned that there is no cure for kidney failure. He wasn’t a good candidate for a transplant, so he needed dialysis to live.”
Seeing her grandfather go to dialysis three times a week for up to four hours a session taught Asiana the importance of perseverance.
“He was so inspiring. He prioritized treatment no matter how hot or cold it was or how bad he felt,” Asiana said. “He wanted to be here with us.”
Dialysis gave Asiana and her family an additional eleven years with him.
“I'm so happy that he decided to stick it out and didn’t give up,” said Asiana. “He inspired me to start educating others about kidney disease. It’s a silent killer, and many people don’t know they have it until it’s too late.”
Are you at risk of kidney disease? Take our one-minute quiz to find out.
Diagnosed with PKD
In 2024, Asiana’s mission became even more personal when she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
“At 24 years old, I started having issues digesting gluten,” Asiana said. “I got a CT scan with contrast to help get a celiac, an autoimmune response to gluten, diagnosis.”
Doctors confirmed Asiana had celiac disease. They also found a cyst on her kidneys.
“I saw a nephrologist,” she said. “With more testing, they determined I have PKD.”
PKD causes cysts to grow in the kidneys. They can damage the kidneys if they grow too large or if there are too many.
Faced with this news, Asiana had two choices: “Either be upset about it and do nothing or embrace the news and manage my health.”
Asiana chose to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps.
To help manage her kidney disease, Asiana
- Drinks more water
- Follows a low-salt diet
- Exercises regularly
She also lost weight to help her better manage her diabetes.
“I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which increased my risk of developing diabetes,” Asiana said. “Diabetes can also damage the kidneys if not managed, so I take it very seriously.”
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Using Her Platform to Make a Difference
Asiana takes her position as Universe United Ms. Tennessee titleholder seriously. That’s why she partnered with National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and started her own nonprofit called Our Kidney’s Keeper.
“I decided to create this platform and partner with NKF to encourage people to get tested for CKD early and often,” she said. “I also want to be a source of education and positivity for those who already have kidney disease.
That’s why she’s pledged to raise $25,000 for NKF. Go to Asiana’s fundraiser.
“This isn’t about being in the headlines. It is about giving back,” Asiana said. “If you don’t have money to give, that’s okay! I’d rather you pass your kidney health knowledge to the next person.”
When the camera isn’t on, Asiana also works as a dedicated family care coordinator for donor services.
“My job is to have those difficult conversations with families, helping them understand their loved one could be the gift of life for someone else,” she said. “It’s about advocating, not only for the family going through loss, but for the recipient waiting for that second chance.”
Staying Hopeful During Hard Times
Asiana’s journey hasn’t been easy. After her diagnosis, she struggled with feelings of isolation and depression.
“I felt flawed,” she said. “I fell into a really dark place, so dark I became suicidal. With treatment and support, I realized I’m going to be okay.”
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for more resources.
Her tattoo, “grow in grace”, has become a daily reminder to be kind to herself as she navigates life with PKD.
“There are still days when I feel lonely," Asiana said. “What brings me hope is knowing there are people out there who will advocate for me when I don’t have the strength to advocate for myself.”
Most of all, she wants others to know that the journey with kidney disease isn’t linear, and it doesn’t have to be lonely.
“Everyone’s journey is unique,” Asiana said. “It can be hard, but you have people like me, NKF, doctors, and your healthcare team to help educate you. We're not alone in this fight.
Get Support on Your Kidney Journey
Whether you have questions regarding care or want to meet others with kidney disease, NKF is here to support you through your journey with:
- NKF Peers: Get matched with a trained peer mentor who understands what you’re going through.
- NKF Cares: Get answers from a trained professional.
- NKF Communities: Speak anonymously with other people in the kidney community.
- NKF Walk: Join your local kidney community and walk for a better future for kidney patients.
- Voices for Kidney Health: Join our advocacy community to fight for kidney health policies and meet other dedicated advocates.
