Chicago Public Schools’ Deputy Chief Talent Officer Jerry Taylor’s college experience was turned upside down when he learned he was living with a rare kidney disease – one that would later claim the lives of his mother and beloved sister. Jerry’s years on dialysis, strong support system, and advocacy work help him inspire others who are facing similar struggles.
Leah Howell, PhD is a not just a kidney recipient, she’s an advocate, kidney ambassador, and this year she’s a marathon runner. She and her 21-year-old transplanted kidney Joey are training for the Chicago Marathon with Team Kidney to show the world just what transplant recipients are capable of. Follow Leah’s journey on social media! You can find her on Facebook and Instagram...
Bill Boscow and Carter Freeman first met on their college hockey team, but they never could’ve imagined what the next four decades of friendship would have in store. When Carter discovered he was in need of a third life-saving kidney transplant, his teammate Bill stepped up and answered the call.
Moira Miller was a healthy, active 20-something when she learned her liver was failing and she would need a transplant. Several decades later, she found herself in need of a combination liver and kidney transplant. Through the years, she’s found community with the organ transplant community and is living her life to the fullest in honor of her donor. Connect with Moira on social media Instagram: @jimoira Facebook: @Moira Lydon Miller LinkedIn: Moira Miller...
Biologist Susan May felt a little back pain that she suspected might be a kidney stone. She never expected to learn a large tumor had been slowly growing inside her for the past decade.
Rob Russell’s no stranger to hospital visits. Since his liver transplant as a baby, he’s experienced a kidney transplant, two open heart surgeries, and a stroke. But thanks to the family who chose to donate their child’s liver three decades ago, he’s accomplished many of his dreams – including attending his dream school, working in NASCAR, fatherhood -- and he’s not planning to stop dreaming any time soon.
Bettie Lewis is a busy mom and attorney who suddenly found herself caring for her big sister Monica when she crashed into dialysis. She explores the challenges and the calling of being a family caregiver. Learn more about Monica’s story here and here.
Debby Ramsey was diagnosed with kidney disease as a child and recently celebrated her 40th kidney transplant anniversary! Through the years, her diagnosis hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her dreams – including marriage, motherhood, coaching, singing, advocating for organ donation, and competing in the annual Transplant Games with Team Illinois. For more information about the Transplant Games, visit goteamillinois.org
A teeny tiny scratch during a middle school softball game led to Angelina Precilio needing a cornea transplant in order to save her eyesight. Now as an adult, she and her family are active volunteers and advocates for Eversight, raising awareness for eye, organ, and tissue donation. Learn more about Eversight at eversightvision.org
Lisa Dodson has devoted her career to encouraging people to say yes to organ donation. Through a partnership with the Illinois High School Association, she’s empowering 16 and 17 year olds to make their own decisions about organ donation through the Drive for Life Act. In her personal life, Lisa is a proud donor wife. Learn more about the Drive for Life and Say Yes campaign with the Illinois High School Association here and here. Learn more about Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Network here....
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 more information.
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. Learn more about living donation on our website at nkfi.org/be-a-donor...
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). Learn more at their website: nephdocs.com...
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.
