The Journey Continues

Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network President and CEO Dr. Harry Wilkins is a trauma surgeon who became passionate about organ donation after hearing a mother’s painful story of loss.  He shares what Gift of Hope is doing to maximize the gift from deceased donors and their families while working to end the wait times for those in need of a life-saving transplant.   Visit giftohope.org for...

Marathon runner Haley Sarff-DeLong has more experience with kidneys than most. Her father was on dialysis, she’s a pediatric transplant coordinator, and this year she became a living kidney donor! She leverages her personal experience to give her patients the best care possible.

Walter and Edith Aguilar’s paths first crossed in the most unlikely place: her mom’s dialysis clinic.  What was supposed to be a brief trip to donate her kidney turned into a lifetime of love.

Glenn and Cassy Motley are navigating the transplant process together – and they’re taking their YouTube viewers along with them every step of the way.   Check out the Motleys’ YouTube channel here.

Dan Lietz’s career calling was born out of love and loss. What started as romantic relationship has become a lifelong passion for helping people “Say Yes” to organ donation.   This episode is brought to you by Donate Life Illinois. Follow Dan on Facebook and Instagram.

Description: WVON radio host Atiba Buchanan built his career on speaking up and speaking out.  When as an otherwise healthy young man he learned he had a silent disease called FSGS, he began to use his voice to advocate for himself and others walking the same path.

Mark & Lynn Scotch are a married pair of cyclists and living kidney donors. They chose to donate to strangers after a chance encounter in a bar, and share in-depth about the testing and donation process. Now Mark cycles the country, raising awareness about the need for more living donors.  This is an episode of Let’s Talk Hope from our friends at Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network....

Markie Campbell has given more than 65 dogs a second chance at life by fostering them while they wait for adopters. So when her (human) friend needed a second chance with a kidney transplant, Markie didn’t hesitate to say yes.  But what happens when the gift doesn’t last? Markie shares the complicated feelings that come with being a living kidney donor when things don’t turn out happily ever after...

 Los hispanos, latinos y afroamericanos tienen un mayor riesgo de enfermedad renal crónica y sus precursores, la diabetes y la presión arterial alta. La enfermera practicante Daniela Báez está comprometida a marcar la diferencia para estos pacientes. Este episodio está patrocinado por NANI - Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Más información en nephdocs.com

Hispanic, Latino and Black Americans are at higher risk for chronic kidney disease and its precursors, diabetes and high blood pressure. Nurse Practitioner Daniela Baez is committed to making a difference for these patients.  This episode is sponsored by NANI - Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com

Dr. Holly Kramer’s calling to nephrology came at an early age. Now she’s inspiring the next generation of providers to bring kidney health to the forefront while advocating and caring for her patients. Follow Dr. Kramer @kramer_holly

Obesity is more than just a few extra pounds. When left unchecked, it can lead to serious health issues – including chronic kidney disease. Dr. Evgueni Minev , a nephrologist who studies the link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, explains new ways to manage obesity while caring for your kidneys.   This episode is sponsored by Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI)....

Ruby Rorty is the Executive Director of Project Donor – a non-profit group that helps potential organ donors achieve eligibility by helping them meet their weight loss goals or quit smoking.  She shares about the development, success, and future of the program as it changes lives.    Learn more about Project Donor at projectdonor.org

Casana Fink is best known as the current reigning Miss Tampa but she’s just as proud of her accomplishment as the author of a children’s book about organ donation.  Her experience as the daughter of liver transplant recipient inspired her to bring comfort and understanding to families across the country.   Follow Casana on Instagram @MissCasanaFink @CasanaFink @MissTampaOrgFl

Aaron Sims was used to a jet-setting lifestyle, traveling the world and enjoying life when Lupus caused his kidneys to fail. His illness grounded him until a transplant from his brother helped him return to doing all of the things he loves.   Read more about Aaron on his blog  or follow him on Instagram @aarondanielsims

Jon McCabe knew the moment that he laid eyes on Carol in college that she was his perfect match. When the pair learned in their early 70s that Carol needed a kidney transplant, he got the medical proof.  The couple shares the importance of advocating for yourself and having the right team in your corner.

Registered Nurse Von Alcedo is passionate about caring for dialysis patients. He uses his almost 40 years of expertise to coach them through their options, boost their spirits, help them take charge of their health even during the low times, and live their best lives while undergoing treatment.    Thank you to Fresenius Kidney Care for sponsoring this episode.

When nurse and mom Linda Miller learned her PKD had advanced to kidney failure, her daughter's high school best friend Joel Shoemaker didn't hesitate to be her donor. The two have always shared a special bond and their friendship and love for one another is infectious! Visit Joel's website at itsjoelshoemaker.com or follow him on social media: Instagram @magicianactor Facebook @Joel Shoemaker

Chef Chloe Gould’s journey is filled with learning, discovery and painful loss. Whether she’s showing love to her clients, her family, her mentors, or her students  - food has been there, for the hurting and the healing.   Follow Chef Chloe on social media at @DixiePura or visit her website at https://www.dixiepura.com/

Tony and Tracey Gonzalez’s love story started as a classic opposite attract romance. Now 25 years and a kidney transplant later, they’re falling in love in new, deeper ways.

Janet Hasson , LCSW is used to helping her clients navigate life’s challenges. When her young son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, she found herself in need of support and created a community of fellow kidney parents. Now she advocates for funding, research and more for kidney patients across the nation.

In her role at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, as well as in her own personal health journey, Shelley Turk has learned the importance of the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Her commitment to whole person and whole community health is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention with increased education, access, and early detection.   This episode is sponsored by B...

John Czechowicz is a self-described professional dialysis patient. He and his wife Sara are an unstoppable team, loving and supporting one another through 27 years of marriage, parenting their son, and finding the right dialysis treatment to fit their lifestyle.   This episode is sponsored by Fresenius Kidney Care. Learn more at https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/

Getting listed for a transplant isn't as simple as making a phone call to add your name. The process and be long and confusing. Transplant Manager Amanda Michaud helps her patients navigate the journey, every step of the way.    This episode is sponsored by NANI - Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com

When someone loses their Medicaid coverage, they must apply for “redetermination.” Nancy Wohlhart from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois explains how to regain coverage to ensure everyone receives the quality medical care they deserve.   Learn more about Medicaid access at Medicaid.gov This episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Learn more at bcbsil.com