Kobe King is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism graduate student assigned to cover Betty H. Fairfax for AZPreps365.com

LAVEEN — It’s a blistering Monday evening at Betty H. Fairfax High School. Inside, girls volleyball coach Iman Isom fervently attempts to refocus a group of girls still preoccupied with the adventures of last week's fall break.

“Let’s get it!” shouts a familiar face from the opposite side of the dazzlingly lit Stampede gymnasium.

The shout comes from Raymond Scott, father of Stampede junior volleyball player Brooklyn Scott.

“He is the most supportive man I’ve ever met for his daughter,” says Isom. 

Although he speaks in a calm and mild-mannered way, this particular remark of his echoes off the gym walls. It instantly galvanizes the girls, who recognize the rallying cry shouted at each volleyball game Raymond attends. Raymond’s words evoke a different feeling for his daughter and team.

Raymond is co-founder of 1 in 9 Charities, Inc., which seeks to save lives affected by kidney disease through awareness, prevention methods and medical research. The name refers to 1 in 9 adults who are afflicted with the disease nationally. He and his wife, Analyn Scott, started the non-profit after his kidneys crashed into dialysis in 1998. 

Despite being the ninth-leading cause of death in the U.S., kidney disease is rarely talked about in the same regard as cancer or heart disease. Dubbed a “silent killer” due to little to no symptoms appearing before the disease’s late stages, Raymond and Analyn saw a need to educate the public.

“There was no fear whatsoever,” Raymond says. “We saw the numbers and how much people were misinformed about things. We want patients to know this isn’t a death sentence and they can thrive and survive.”

Facing the weight of an estimated life expectancy range of five to 10 years, Raymond endures today as a dialysis patient of 26 years. The organization has given him a renewed sense of purpose as an educator and passionate public speaker.

In line with the founding of the organization, 1 in 9 is truly a family affair. In addition to being co-founder of the charity, Analyn oversees many day-to-day operations as CEO. 

Through her production company, Analyn has continued to spread the vision of her charity through mediums such as social media, podcasting, books, and even a documentary highlighting Raymond’s dance at an Arizona Dancing with the Stars competition on the 18th anniversary of his initial kidney failure. An incredible feat for a dialysis patient.

Despite having a widespread impact locally and nationwide for those impaired with the disease, one of their biggest impressions is felt intimately at home.

“Our kids don’t know any different,” Analyn says. “This has been their life. They know a lot more than what a lot of adults know about kidney disease, not just because of their dad, but because of the organization.” 

Helping where they could with local community events to educating adults about diabetes being the leading cause of kidney disease on family tours, Brooklyn and her brother, Kenyon, were raised with the lessons of the organization at the forefront.

“I feel like it’s given me good morals,” Brooklyn says. “I think the way my parents are helped me be the way that I am, in wanting to help people and not being afraid to ask if they need help.”

Brooklyn is lauded for her talents as a volleyball player, especially as a focal point in Fairfax’s offense as a lethal outside hitter. But it just might be her positive attitude and self-disciplined approach to the game that allows her to be an encouraging leader for her squad.

“She has such a bubbly personality,” Isom says. “You would not know she’s going through anything and even when she’s not doing well, I still feel she’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached.”

Brooklyn and her family’s presence has been well-received by teammates and coaches, and they have even shown willing support for the organization and Raymond’s condition. Last March, Isom’s club team wore green ribbons in support of the disease. That team features many of the same players who play for the Stampede. 

Isom and the Scotts’ plan to soon collaborate on a kidney disease educational day for the team.

To this day, Raymond remains on a kidney transplant list. His wife continues to administer his hemodialysis treatments from home five times a week. Despite this, through 26 years of perseverance, Raymond and his family’s appreciation for life remains steadfast.

“Being so close a few times to death, it makes you appreciate the small things in life,” Raymond says. “There will come a time we won’t be here for them. I want them to get out of life what they challenge themselves to do, and look at those small moments with their own children and hold on to that.”