Primary Care & Nephrology I St. John’s Medical Group
Listen to Tiara Willis’ story
Never Alone & Completely Healed
As a social media influencer for the past 11 years, I have built my career talking about makeup, skincare, and brands through creative consulting and modeling. I know my body well, so when it began to change, I noticed immediately—and I knew something was wrong.
Last May, while on vacation, I developed significant swelling in my legs, ankles, feet, face, and hands. When it did not improve after several weeks, my primary care physician, Dr. Oxana Popescu, ordered bloodwork and a urine test. The results showed signs of kidney damage, and she referred me to nephrologist Dr. DiGiorno. Although his schedule was booked for months, Dr. Popescu personally reached out on my behalf and helped me secure an earlier appointment. I am incredibly grateful that she recognized the urgency of my condition.
Dr. DiGiorno was clearly concerned by my results, but he never allowed me to feel frightened or alone. He listened patiently, answered every question, and made sure I understood what was happening. Even during such an uncertain time, his calm and compassionate approach gave me a sense of comfort and hope.
Within three days, I was hospitalized with nephrotic syndrome. During my six-day stay, Dr. DiGiorno and his nurse practitioner remained in close contact with my hospital care team as they worked to stabilize me. On my final day, I underwent a kidney biopsy. As soon as the results were available, Dr. DiGiorno reviewed them and came to see me almost immediately.
He diagnosed me with Minimal Change Disease, a rare kidney condition that can be difficult to detect. He carefully explained how the disease was causing my body to lose essential proteins and vitamins, disrupting my hormones and changing my appearance. My face and skin changed, I developed severe stretch marks, and my menstrual cycle stopped for months. Because I was immunocompromised, I had to stay away from church, concerts, crowds, and so many of the activities that brought joy and connection to my life.
It was an overwhelming and isolating experience, but Dr. DiGiorno and his team never let me feel forgotten. His nurse practitioner called every Monday to check on me, whether or not I had an appointment. When I experienced a lapse in insurance coverage, Dr. DiGiorno made sure my care continued without interruption. At a time when I was already carrying so much fear and uncertainty, knowing that my health would remain his priority meant more to me than I can ever fully express.
Dr. DiGiorno is the best doctor I have ever had—not only because of his medical expertise, but because of the way he cared for me as a person. He listened. He reassured me. He made certain I understood my condition and never rushed through my questions. His compassion helped carry me through one of the most difficult periods of my life.
I will always be grateful to Dr. DiGiorno, his nurse practitioner, and the entire team who supported me throughout my illness and recovery. They gave me more than excellent medical care—they gave me comfort, confidence, and hope when I needed them most.
Today, I am completely healed and able to fully live my life again. I have my health, my independence, and the freedom to return to the people and experiences I love. I could not be more thankful.