Kent's Kidney Stories

Karen Edwards is a widow with two adult children and a precious 11-year-old granddaughter. Without a living kidney donor, the wait for a kidney can be many years and could also mean many years on dialysis. I need the help of others to find a living donor. Are YOU the one?   If you would like to learn more about becoming a donor for Karen, please contact Kidney Solutions at 830-285-2140. If you hav...

Kent begins a series of Podcasts with Natera , a cell-free DNA testing company well known in the medical/kidney community. Today, we interview Monica Johnson and Mala Nichani from Natera. Our discussion will be on two specific areas of testing that they provide. One is for DNA testing (Renasight) and the second (Prospera) a non-invasive test for rejection of transplanted solid organs, in this case...

In celebration of 100 episodes, Kent and his buddies Armand Halter, Uncle Jim Myers, and Jonathan Traylor talk all about kidneys!  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysoluti...

Johnson Chen has an inherited disease called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which causes cysts to grow on his kidneys. He has a website called savejohnslife.com . Johnson is in need of a Living Kidney Donor. Can you help? Are YOU the one?   If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent...

Kent talks with Brian K. Runge, RN, BSN, CCTC. Brian is the Chief Living Donor Transplant Coordinator for New-York Presbyterian Columbia Irving Medical Center. Brian was born in Chicago and at the age of 6 moved with his family onto a sailboat and circumnavigated the globe from the age of 6 to 13. During that time, Brian was homeschooled. Once back in the United States he went through high school...

Kent talks with Martha Gershun & John D. Lantos, MD, authors of  Kidney to Share .  Martha Gershun is a nonprofit consultant, writer, and community volunteer. She donated a kidney in 2018 to a woman she read about in the newspaper. Gershun has been named Special Advisor to the Kidney Transplant Collaborative and serves on the advisory board for the National Kidney Foundation serving Kansas, Oklaho...

Marana was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 9 years old. 15 years ago, it took her sight, and now she is living with only 13% kidney function and now need a kidney transplant. She is an athlete trained in Brazilian JiuJitsu and active as a personal trainer and nutrition coach for those who are pursuing healthier lifestyles. She loves staying active and volunteering with injured and disa...

Kent talks with his friend Paul Conway, the Chair of Policy and Global Affairs and the past President of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). Paul has managed kidney disease for 40 years including nearly 3 years on home dialysis and is the recipient of a deceased kidney donor of over 23 years. Click  here for more information on AAKP. If you have questions regarding items discussed...

Martin Hughes is the father of two adult children and an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He has spent the last 20 years working with formerly homeless families and individuals as a site director.  He would like to establish his own nonprofit agency to continue to help the homeless population in New York City. Martin is in need of a Living Kidney Donor. Can you help?  Are YOU the one? Martin is r...

Today's interview is with Rinki and Michael Etheridge are an extraordinary team. Michael needs a kidney donor as his current transplanted kidney is in danger of failure. Rinki has taken on the daunting task of finding that donor. Rinki talks about how difficult it is to be a caregiver. She gives valuable insight into what it is like to watch the love of her life struggle. Listen in as this tough y...

Nancy's kidney donor was her son Scott. She has known tragedy in the loss of one of her sons and has battled Multiple Sclerosis and Kidney Failure coming out on top. Her undying faith is gently expressed in her book called Stronger Than I Thought. Listen in and enjoy a wonderful conversation with author Nancy Ormon. Learn more about Nancy and purchase Stronger Than I Thought, at nancyormon.com   F...

Kent gets the opportunity to podcast with Quinton Johnson. Quinton has been diabetic since 6 years of age and received a pancreas/kidney transplant s a few years back. The pancreas has now failed and unfortunately, his diabetes is back and now his kidney is failing. He is actively looking for a living donor. Being 30+ years with Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease is difficult. His attitude is fant...

Shane Blanchard was born at the University of Iowa in 1974. He was diagnosed with Eagle-Barrett Syndrome, commonly known as Prune Belly Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. He has undergone 50 operations including three kidney transplants. His first at the age of 21 lasted 24 years. His second from his brother lasted only a month. He just received his third transplant via a paired exchange progra...

Kent met Rahwa Daniel on Clubhouse just a couple of months ago. She is a daughter of African immigrants and her kidney journey story is one of great interest. She explains her shock at getting sick at a very young age and finding out that she had FSGS. She had a very rocky course with dialysis and has had multiple transplants. She is actively looking for a living kidney donor so she can get on wit...

Catherine Campbell has passionately dedicated her life as a nurse, caring for others.  Now it's Catherine who needs a hero who is willing to become a living donor.  As a wife, Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, her life has been challenged by End-Stage Renal Disease.    Catherine is registered on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List at  Mayo Clinic Transplant  in Phoenix, AZ.  Kidney Donor...

Myles "MJay" Jackson is the owner of New Image Wellness Co, an in-person and online personal trainer, and head strength and conditioning coach at Atlanta Technical College. Myles works as a Mindset Mentor, Wellness Advocate, and Author to meet his clients where they are and work with them to break free of the habits, routines, and behaviors that keeps them emotionally, mentally, and physically fro...

The 46 on George Franklin's jersey indicates the number of years that he has had his deceased kidney transplant. Listen in as Kent and George discuss kidney transplant longevity. Click here for more learn more about the Quarter Century Club President. For more information and to order the book mentioned during this episode, Because of Organ Donation , click here . If you have questions regarding i...

Kent gets an opportunity to interview Shannon Mulroy. Shannon's daughter has FSGS and had a transplant. That is just the beginning Shannon decided that it would be a good deal to become an altruistic kidney donor. After she had decided she talked it over with there husband. If you want to know what happened you will need to listen to the Podcast. Very interesting things began to happen after they...

Matthew has long-standing kidney disease and is in search of a kidney donor. He tells Kent his story and needs. If YOU would like to begin the process to see if you are a match for Matthew, click here to fill out a short form. Follow Matthew's kidney journey at Matthew's Kidney Search. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney S...

Kent gets a great opportunity to converse with Dr. Velma Scantlebury. Dr. Scantlebury is a transplant surgeon and author of Beyond Every Wall, Becoming the 1st Black Female Transplant Surgeon. She is an advocate for preemptive transplant and increasing diversity and women in surgery. To learn more about Dr. Velma Scantlebury or to purchase her book, click here to visit her website. If you have que...

Kent has a conversation with Fez Awan from the UK. Fez was born with renal failure, and throughout his life, he has had 3 kidney transplants. In addition, he has used all modalities of dialysis. In the UK he volunteers for a few agencies/charities to bring more awareness and education regarding organ donation and kidney health. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or...

After she finished medical school, Sejal Patel learned she needed a new kidney and pancreas to survive.  Sejal received the gift of life and decided to use her medical degree to go into clinical research and work in transplant nephrology to help others like herself.  Now her donated kidney is failing.  She looks forward to a transplant so she can continue caring for patients via the medical field....

Mary Baliker was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of nine and has undergone dialysis during various times in her life. At 17, she had a kidney transplant from her brother, Doug. Since then, she has had three more transplants, the last of which was in 1999. As a result of this life-long experience, she cherishes her life and possesses a strong interest to help improve healthcare. Click here...

Kidney disease is tough enough to deal with as an adult. When it begins in early childhood it is even more devastating and difficult to adjust to. Kent takes time to talk with Austin Lee, a two-time kidney transplant recipient who was transplanted at the early age of four. Listen to him explain the many challenges he and his family experienced. Through it all, you will hear a message of love and h...

Ben lives in London, England and Jasper lives in Vienna, Austria. Jasper needed a kidney transplant so his good friend, Ben agreed to donate. Ben flew to Vienna, Austria, and found out he was a match. Then the fun began! Covid came and Jasper had to have surgery, and all along Ben stayed firm in his commitment to donate. Listen to their story it is absolutely amazing. If you have questions regardi...