Kent's Kidney Stories

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Chance and Ashleigh Eckert about preemptive living donor transplants. Chance was diagnosed with FSGS in his early twenties, while he was in college. He received a transplant five months ago at the age of 28. They share their transplant journey. The Eckert's are an inspiring young couple! Click play and let's hear their incredible story.  If you ha...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent records a podcast while on his morning walk. He reflects on the monumental news of the U.S. Senate approval of immunosuppressive drug coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients.  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidney...

Welcome back! In today's milestone episode, Kent speaks with his friend and President of Kidney Solutions Board of Directors, Bruce Craft.  He received his Kidney Transplant from his Sister, nearly 50 years ago from his sister! Bruce shares his experience thus far as a transplant recipient. Later in the episode, our Producer Jason joins in the episode. As a recent kidney transplant recipient, Jaso...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Shephalie, Michelle, and Mike from Natera about the benefits of Prospera when a Transplant Patient is faced with testing for Rejection. Kent and his wonderful guests help unpack Prospera and all that this Rejection Assessment Tool has to offer. We learn: How is Prospera used? Does it require a biopsy? What research has gone into this test? Much mo...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Christine and Trudy from Natera. At the beginning of the episode, Kent shares a profound message from Matthew Rabinowitz, Founder of Natera. We learn quite a bit about genetic testing, such as: What are the benefits of genetic testing?" How much does testing cost will my insurance cover it? How will knowing this information help my family members?...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks to his friend, Armand Halter. Armand initially learned that his kidneys were failing after donating blood. He endured Peritoneal Dialysis for 3 years. During this time, Armand worked and traveled. We learn a very unique aspect of Armand's transplant. He and Kent reflect on the emotions that are tied to receiving a Kidney Transplant. Later in the episod...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Gail Glasser. We join in celebrating Gail's 5 year Kidney Transplant Anniversary! Gail has lived with kidney disease since she was 18 years old when an undiagnosed strep throat impacted her kidney. Gail's nephrologist was ahead of his time and believed in a treatment plan that was supplemented with specific diets and vitamins. T...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Edward Drake, II. "Why me?" Ed asked himself when he was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with renal failure at age 20. Then he asked himself "Why not me?" This prompted him to use his negative experience in a positive way—to spread the word that while it is true certain people are at an increased risk, kidney disease can happen to anyone, at a...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Lindsay Gath. She is married and a mother of two. She was diagnosed with Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) when she was 11 years old. In 2016 after a visit with her Nephrologist, she was informed that it was time to start considering Dialysis. Lindsay shares her journey in searching for a Living Donor and Preemptiv...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador , Laura Ellsworth. She was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease when she was a Senior in High School. Laura shares her experience of feeling the effects of CKD leading up to receiving her transplant from a very special person. Kent and Laura also talk about Preemptive Transplants, the importance of having Health Insurance as a T...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador , Brandy Webster. Brandy lives in Utah with her wife Lyndzie and their beautiful daughter. She shares her story of being diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy (also known as Berger's Disease), her choice to forgo dialysis, and pursue a preemptive Kidney Transplant. Later in the episode, We learn which special person in her life became h...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador , AAKP Ambassador Jennifer Jones. A retired Marine Veteran Jennifer's life changed drastically in a matter of months due to kidney disease. Her kidneys began to fail while deployed to Afghanistan which resulted in immediate medical evacuation to Germany to receive a diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome. Upon returning to the states, s...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Tamera Powell from San Antonio, TX . She is currently performing Peritoneal Dialysis at home, seven days a week. She is experiencing kidney failure. Tamera is on the Kidney Donor waitlist with Methodist Hospital Speciality and Transplant Center and is searching for a Living Kidney Donor. Her strong faith in God has encouraged her to seek a donor a...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador , Alana Hunnicutt. She shares her story of being diagnosed with FSGS, receiving a Preemptive Kidney Transplant from her Brother, it's unfortunate rejection, time on Dialysis, and her second Transplant, from her Husband! Alana speaks on the importance of being your own advocate and how she was able to receive her second Transplant...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Payal Shah. She is a good friend and has become a regular guest on the Podcast. Payal received a Kidney Transplant at the age of 15 and is now a Doctor of Pharmaceuticals. Kent and Payal have a great conversation in regards to Genetic testing as it relates to Kidney Disease.  See links below to some (not-inclusive) companies that provide genetic t...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Jennifer Milton. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Chief Administrative Officer at the University Transplant Center (UTC) in San Antonio, TX. Kent and Jennifer speak about the exciting news regarding the upcoming National Living Donor Registry, Paired Kidney Exchange, UTC's success with Liver Transplant and Kidney Transplant from Hepat...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Dr. Jonas Gadson, currently, he is in Beauford, SC. He learned he only has ONE kidney which is only performing at 5-11%.  In 2005,  Jonas took early retirement from Eastman Kodak to return home to help care for his 81-year-old, ill mother. He returned to school and earned his doctorate degree in Theology.  He is currently a Minister in his church....

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Patti Ruffin. She shares her amazing Transplant story and what she is doing now to help promote awareness for Kidney Disease and those in need of a Transplant. Patti is a driving force in San Antonio, TX with creating awareness for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and an upcoming virtual Walk for PKD. Please consider gathering your team to join the...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Advocate, Margaret Baggett. She began Peritoneal Dialysis in October of 2008 and received "the call" in September of 2009 that she was going to receive a Kidney Transplant from a Deceased Donor. Margaret's husband Bill joins in the conversation and the fun as well. Margaret's story is one that brings hope to those who are in need of a Kidne...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Cecilia Santana. Cecilia endured Dialysis for 9 years after receiving the gift of Life with a Kidney Transplant from a Deceased Donor, 7 years ago today (09/02/20)!  She reflects on her diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease, time on dialysis, her battle with Breast Cancer before Transplant, and much much more!  Items Mentioned on...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks to Steve Belcher, RN, MSN, MS. He is a dedicated kidney advocate who began his journey 20 years ago as a dialysis nurse. This job inspired him to help as many people with kidney disease as he could. He now focuses his time entirely on his organizations Urban Kidney Alliance and the Urban Health Outreach Media, which educates the public about kidney dis...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks the Colm Clifford. Colm is a three-time kidney transplant recipient. Born with only one functioning kidney, Colm suffered reflux as a child which damaged this kidney. He went on CAPD at the age of 11 and was transplanted in March 1990, which was not a success as the kidney never functioned. In November 1990, he received his second transplant which gave...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks the President of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), Richard Knight. Richard is a former hemodialysis patient who received a kidney transplant approximately eleven years ago. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Mid Atlantic Renal Coalition (MARC). He was recently appointed to the Steering Committee of the Kidney Precisi...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Board Member and Ambassador, Kevin Fowler. Kevin reflects on his transplant story in this very special episode. If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of a Kent's Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information on Kidney Solutions, vis...

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent records a podcast while on his morning walk. Kent recently received an email from a listener, he reflects on the wonderful message. Kent shares some thoughts about how to care for yourself throughout your Kidney journey. Have questions for Kent? Contact him at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidney...