_jpg.png)
A St. Petersburg pastor who is known for helping those in need is now seeking support as he undergoes a challenging chapter in his life.
Rev. Kenneth Irby recently transitioned from his role as the 30th senior pastor at Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the city of St. Petersburg’s first community faith and community justice liaison.
He’s also been diagnosed with Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and is currently in need of a kidney transplant.
Irby was diagnosed 34 years ago. At the time of this reporting, he decided against dialysis and is starting his third year on the transplant list at Largo Medical Hospital and his second year on the list at Tampa General Hospital. Kidney transplant wait times at Tampa General Hospital range from approximately 23-37 months, depending on the blood type.
“Without question, the greatest challenge has been the waiting process,” Irby shared with Power Broker.
Facts About Kidney Disease
Stage 4 chronic kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is caused by polycystic kidney disease. Experts say polycystic kidney disease is the most common inherited form. A person with an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition.
“Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition in which fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys and can gradually interfere with their function,” said Ilana Schachter, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Consumer Health Digest. “Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, the most common inherited form, is frequently associated with changes in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes.”
Polycystin-1 and polycystin-2 genes (PKD1) are proteins that are active in kidney development.
Black Kidney Crisis
Irby’s diagnosis exposes the kidney crisis that many Black Americans face. Black people are 47% more likely to have chronic kidney disease and 95% more likely to die from it. Additionally, according to the National Kidney Foundation, Black Americans are three times more likely to have kidney failure than whites.
Schachter attributes the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease among Black Americans — who have higher rates of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes — to inequities in access to preventive care and treatment.
“High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the leading causes of kidney disease, and disparities in their diagnosis, management, and treatment can contribute to kidney damage over time,” says Schachter. “Social determinants of health, including access to affordable nutritious food, healthcare coverage, and consistent medical follow-up, also influence outcomes.”
A Generational Disease
Genetics also play a role in kidney function and risk since polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease. Schachter says variants in the APOL1 gene are more common in people with “recent African ancestry” and is commonly associated with increased risk of kidney disease as well as HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and lupus nephritis.
“These variants do not mean that a person will inevitably develop kidney failure,” Schachter said.
Screenings, blood work and urine tests can help detect early kidney damage. For instance, if PKD is suspected because of family history or symptoms, a clinician may recommend kidney imaging, genetic counseling, or testing.
“People with a family history of kidney disease should discuss their risk with a healthcare professional,” said Schachter.
For Irby, a fifth-generation St. Petersburg native, his family has been impacted by the disease for generations. That prompted him to do his own research and start making healthier changes in his own life.
“By the time of my diagnosis, my mother and grandmother were deceased and several family members were dealing with renal failure and extreme hypertension,” he says.
Faith, Rest, and Family
The impact of the disease has been challenging on his day-to-day routine, from fatigue to severe body aches. But Irby has four things he says are keeping him afloat.
“Diet, medication rest and faith are sustaining me thus far,” he says.
As a ministry leader, he continues to pastor and serve through his diverse portfolio. As a former senior faculty member at The Poynter Institute, Irby created the award-winning photojournalism program. In 2024, he became St. Petersburg’s first faith and community justice liaison. He and his wife are the co-founders of Men & Women In the Making initiative, a mentoring and academic program for minority youth in St. Petersburg.
Irby calls her his “queen.” Both are survivors of cancer. Irby overcame prostate cancer in 2023, and his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023.
“Karen is an amazing partner in marriage, ministry and life,” he says about his wife. “Our marital vow to love in sickness and in health have been manifested as we have been each other's caregivers. She is without question my greatest encourager and number one prayer warrior.”
Recently, he went on a teaching assignment in Nigeria for the World Press Photo Foundation. As a living organ donor advocate, he continuously speaks out, shares his story, in an effort to spread awareness on a factor that impacts the lives of many.
“No question, my faith and family are the reason that I am still standing,” he says. “I trust that our creator — God — is not through with me yet, and that if I can help somebody as I endure this health challenge, then my living will not be in vain.”
Irby is working with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg on an upcoming organ donation event. The foundation is partnering with Lifelink and All Kidney Patient Support Group for the Voices of Life: Truth, Equity & Testimony in Organ Donation event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at 2333 34th St. South in St. Petersburg at Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.
There will be a dinner, a panel discussion, and free genetic testing. Click here to register.
Share Your News with Us
To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.