Christos Panagiotidis, 39, smirks at wife Meli, 38, as she checks out after their grocery run at Walmart in Kennett, Mo. After twelve years of marriage, the two continue to find humor and make light of their situation despite the struggles they are currently facing with Christos’ kidney disease diagnosis.

Co-operator of Bootheel Auto Sales, Christos Panagiotidis stares down at the engine of a 2019 Kia Soul. Despite the young entrepreneur and car enthusiasts’ medical diagnoses, he continues to spend long hours on his feet working in the garage.

Meli Panagiotidis helps a client at her clothing store, Meli’s Boutique in Kennett, Mo. The small-town boutique owner takes retail therapy to the next level, chatting with locals about their lives and making them feel seen and beautiful regardless of their purchases.

Partners at Bootheel Auto Sales, Christos Panagiotidis and Gary Mitchell, 72, discuss next steps for a Kia Soul. The surprising duo have been close friends since 2017, when Christos approached Gary about getting involved in the car buying business. Despite Christos’ medical diagnoses, they still find time to work on their cars together.

Christos and Meli work together to gather groceries at Walmart. After being diagnosed with kidney disease in late June, Christos often experiences pain while walking due to excess fluid in his feet. As a result, he uses the grocery store’s electric wheelchairs. This has become part of their new normal.

Meli Panagiotidis, 38, Julie Purputidis, 64, and Christos ‘Buddy’ Hrissikos, 61, hustle to finish orders during the dinner rush at the Downtown Bistro. After co-owner Christos Panagiotidis was diagnosed with kidney disease, the three individuals have had to step up and take on more responsibilities in the restaurant to make up for his absence on days where he receives dialysis.

Christos Panagiotidis rests during the dinner shift at Downtown Bistro.The restaurant owner is often able to hide the toll that his dialysis has on him, but in a quiet moment by the freezers he takes a moment for himself.

Meli Panagiotidis, 38, rests her head on Christos Panagiotidis, 39, as the couple watches the Delta Fair Parade in front of their restaurant on Main Street in Kennett, Mo. 

Meli and Christos hold hands while strolling at the Delta Fair.The couple's lifestyle has changed since Christos started doing dialysis, but they continue to find moments alone to celebrate their partnership and love.