The Journey Continues

Jennifer Cramer-Miller is a self-described incurable optimist. Her sense of humor, family, friends, and generous spirit keep her positive and grateful through her journey with FSGS and four kidney transplants. 

Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and minority communities are especially affected. This special live episode features Dr. Ngozi Ezike from Mt. Sinai Hospital and Tonita Cheatham from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in a frank discussion about diabetes and prevention.

Everyone has the APOL1 gene but people with sub-Saharan African heritage may have variants of the gene that can cause kidney disease. Nephrologist Dr. Suneel Udani explains how new research is changing how certain kidney diseases are diagnosed and treated.   This episode is sponsored by NANI – Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com

If you’re eligible for Medicare, open enrollment begins October 15. Jamie Mollin from Blue Cross Blue Shield has advice on how to prepare so you choose the right plan to fit your needs.     This episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, visit bcbsil.com .   For assistance choosing a Medicare plan through Blue Cross Bl...

Nurse Practitioner Anitha Philip , DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C is used to listening to her patients’ concerns. When some of her kidney patients shared that they struggle to find and afford fresh, healthy foods needed for their recommended diets, she took action to help. If you are struggling with food insecurity, visit Cook County Health – We Bring Health Care to Your Community , click on patients &...

Dr. Manish Tanna and his colleagues are treating their patients using “value-based care”, a healthcare model that puts patients’ whole health first.   This episode is generously sponsored by Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI). Learn more at nephdocs.com . Follow NANI on social media at @NANINephrology on Facebook and @nephdocs on Twitter.

Parents Brian Galvez & Lisa Gomez understand the importance of having a strong support team in your corner. Their son Julian is thriving and growing into a strong young man post-transplant, thanks in part to his medical team and active lifestyle.   The Galvez family would like to encourage listeners to consider organ donation. “We will forever be grateful for the donor and their family. They w...

For Terry Litchfield , kidney care isn’t just a job – it’s a passion and a hobby! In her 30+ year career – and beyond in retirement - in renal care, she’s helped millions of patients receive better access to care, including her husband Bill who spent 46 years on dialysis.

Emergency room physician Dr. Derek J. Robinson shares the whole-health approach Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is taking to improve lives across the state – including at the Illinois State Fair.   This episode is generously sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois .

Kidney failure disrupted Cristie Field 's busy work and family life. She started a blog to update her loved ones on her condition and found new ways to connect and ground herself when life veers from the plan.   Follow Cristie’s blog on Facebook @ChronicallyCristie and check out her hand-strung jewelry on Instagram @lucyandlolagems

When LaVerne Bartee happened to learn after 30 years of marriage that she and her husband Kevin had the same blood type, she leapt at the chance to give him the life-saving kidney their family was waiting for.

When Kasey Bergh sent a text message to a wrong number, she had no idea it would lead to her one in a billion chance at love and a kidney transplant.   Follow Kasey’s journey at her website kaseybergh.com or on social media at @kaseybergh

Hop in the passenger seat of the KidneyMobile® as Regina White, CNA, CPT takes us on an auditory tour of these life-saving preventative screenings. Learn more about the KidneyMobile® and find a screening near you at kidneymobile.org

Dr. Aleksandra Gmurczyk cares for dozens of patients who are waiting for a kidney as a busy nephrologist. Her care for her patients extended far above and beyond the Hippocratic Oath of “do no harm” when she chose to become a living example by donating her own kidney. And saving two lives in the process!

Gospel artist and worship leader Kevin Vasser ’s faith has carried him through so many life experiences. When he learned he needed a kidney transplant, he relied on his faith yet again to help him thrive, not just survive.   Follow Kevin and his musical career at kevinvasser.com , on Twitter and Instagram @kevinvasser , and on Facebook @kevinvasser15

When meteorologist Ed Curran learned his kidneys were failing and he’d need a transplant, he kept his health issues private from his CBS audience.  Thanks to another CBS broadcast 4 hours away, his sister Patti Orthwein decided to step up as his living donor.   Follow Ed on social media: Twitter: @edcurran Facebook: facebook.com/edcurran Instagram: instagram.com/edcurran   Follow Patti on Facebook...

For those on the transplant waiting list, finding the right transplant center can sometimes be difficult. For veterans, there are even fewer options. Dr. Manpreet Samra and the rest of the transplant team at the Hines VA hospital opened the Kidney Transplant Center just a few short years ago to help provide further access for those who have served   Follow the Hines VA Kidney Transplant Center on...

Author and advocate Amy S. Peele relies on her sense of humor and experience as a retired transplant nurse to inspire her mystery novels with a cause.   Find Amy’s books at amyspeele.com and follow her on social media at @amyspeeleauthor on Facebook and @amypeele on Instagram.

Pageant contestants are required to speak eloquently on a social cause close to their hearts. For Jessica Tilton, the reigning Miss Quad Cities whose father was waiting for a kidney, there was no question what cause she would choose.   Happily, shortly after this episode was recorded, Jessica’s father got the call and received his life-saving kidney transplant! Follow Jessica on social media @Miss...

When Dr. Carlos Becerril-Romero was a little boy, he experienced some scary health issues that informed his future career path and inspired him to help other children just like him.

Host Monica Fox walks us through her painful and often terrifying journey with COVID as a transplant recipient.

Cubs fan Bridgett Kolls went viral when she held up a sign at Wrigley Field that said “this lil Cubbie needs a kidney.”  Her life-saving kidney came from an unlikely source – White Sox fan Thomas Alessio.  

Figuring out what to eat in each stage of kidney disease can be frustrating and confusing. Renal dietitian Kelly Nemec joins Dr. Melissa Prest to talk all things kidney diet – including tips for setting yourself up for a successful transplant. 

Host Monica Fox participated in the 2022 Transplant Games. Between games, she pulled aside a few athletes, donor families, and organizers behind the event to find out why this event is so powerful.

When Lisa Givens received her kidney transplant, it changed her life, allowing her to do things she never thought were possible.  Cancer suddenly jeopardized her post-transplant lifestyle and put her back on dialysis.  Now she’s waiting for a second gift of life.