National Kidney Foundation - Kentucky

Breaking Ground in Transplantation: A New Era with Xenotransplantation On March 16th, 2024, Richard Slayman made history at Massachusetts General Hospital as the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant. Sadly, Mr. Slayman passed away two months later, but his contribution to the field of xenotransplantation will never be forgotten. “Patie...

5 Plant-Based Recipes for a Kidney Disease Diet | National Kidney Foundation Unlock the power of plant-based foods with 5 NKF-approved vegetarian recipes.

Unfiltered Story: Losing a Transplant Unfiltered Story follows the journey of one person over time whose life was impacted by kidney disease. In this edition, we follow Anthony Tuggle as he readjusts to life on dialysis while searching for a living kidney donor. We recommend reading Part 1 before continuing. In November 2023, Anthony ca...

Today is Transplant Needed Tuesday.

Meet Robert Singleton,
He is 68 years old and is a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and so many other things. He hails from Grand Rapids, MI, but now resides in Louisville, KY with his beloved wife, Margaret Rose, of whom he hadn’t seen/talked to since 1977 (Danville, KY). While visiting his then finance in February 2018, they for no rhyme or reason (divine intervention) decided to check their blood pressures. To their dismay, they discovered Robert’s was off the chart (222/100+). This began a series of doctor visits and what would be the real test of their refreshed friendship/love. Thankfully, as fate would have it, their Love won out and on April 1, 2018 (Easter Sunday), Robert proposed to his girl Margaret Rose. He then made his way to Louisville in September 2018 and in December 2018, Robert was officially diagnosed with Kidney Disease and began his journey.

Now fast forward over 40 years later, their special time had finally come! For on November 10. 2019 (his parent’s anniversary) the two would become one! They’ve been happily married for the past 4 ½ years and Margaret Rose has been his #1 supporter helping Robert however needed! They have a wonderful and large family who love getting together for “Funday Sunday/Family Days”. (Church, dinners, picnics, ballgames, family adventures, traveling, bowling, etc.). To stay active, Robert enthusiastically works part time at the Sam’s Club Gas Station and is the top scoring person on two bowling leagues!

If you’re interested in testing to become Robert’s donor, he’s listed at UofL Health and Trager Transplant Center at 502-587-4358 option 5. Please help us share Robert’s story to find his gift of life!

Meet Paige Byrd. She is 35 years old. She’s a twin and they’re the youngest of seven siblings. She lives in Bowling Green, KY. On Mother’s Day 2022, she wasn’t feeling well and had high blood pressure – she received some medication for short-term treatment. A week later, she went to the ER because her vision was blurry, and her BP was 250/125. She was airlifted to the University of Vanderbilt. She was immediately diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). On May 27th she started dialysis at DaVita. Her port was painful, and she was not able to work. In September 2022, she was diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Disease. Dialysis leaves her with complete exhausted. Some days are good, and others are a struggle. Kidney disease sometimes feels isolating. BUT this does not keep her down. In her own words: “If you have a solid foundation of people who lift you up, continue to find things that will lift you up. Keep yourself mentally strong. That’s how you get through this.”

Paige enjoys reading, painting, and singing. She’s a classically trained musician. She also enjoys hanging out with her friends and family.

If you’re interested in testing to become Paige’s donor, she’s listed at UofL Health and Trager Transplant Center at 502-587-4358 option 5. Please help us share Paige’s story to find her gift of life!

Thank you LaQuayia Goldring for sharing your experience. Race used to be a factor on the standard kidney test, preventing some from being added to the transplant list. However, as of 2022 that has now been removed for patients. Some patients, like LQ, were able to move up on the transplant list. Check out the story here:

Policy eliminates race from kidney tests after task force recommendations The old test kept LaQuayia Goldring from getting on the transplant list

Today is "Transplant Needed Tuesday"

Meet Brian Straight. He is 58 years old, has four children, and four grandchildren. He has been married to his wonderful wife Ericka for 12 years. In July 2020, his kidneys failed, and he started dialysis. He was diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Failure. Peritoneal dialysis did not work for him. It was failing to clean the toxins out of his body, so he has been on in-center hemodialysis three times per week, four hours each. He is completely exhausted after each treatment.

He has lost 85 pounds, reduced his AIC from 10.2 to 6.0, and reduced his blood pressure to normal ranges. He currently is a Door Dasher part time and enjoys spending time on the computer and at the shooting range. He wants to live as long as possible to be around for his family and encourages everyone to be an organ donor (check your license). A living kidney donor would save his life. Could you be his gift of life?

If you’re interested in testing to become Brian’s donor, he’s listed at three transplant centers. Please contact any of his coordinators - UofL Health and Trager Transplant Center at 502-587-4358 option 5, UK Living Kidney Donor Program at 859-323-2467, or Misty at IU Health at 317-944-4370.

Please help us share Brian’s story to find his kidney!

NKF Releases Updated Change Package to Improve CKD Care
Web-based tool aims to help health professionals improve care through better recognition and management of CKD~ (New York, NY-May 09, 2024) -The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has released an update to its popular web-based Change Package tool.

The National Kidney Foundation Releases Updated Change Package to Improve CKD Care ~Web-based tool aims to help health professionals improve care through better recognition and management of CKD~ (New York, NY—May 09, 2024) —The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has released an update to its popular web-based Change Package tool. “Chronic Kidney Disease Change Package - 2023:...

The National Kidney Foundation Honors Renal Nurse with Prestigious Carol Mattix Award
(May 9, 2024, New York, NY) Washington University Nephrology Nurse Practitioner Lisa Koester, ANP, CS, CNN-NP, MSN, will be honored by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) with the Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians award in the name of Carol Mattix.

The National Kidney Foundation Honors Renal Nurse with Prestigious Carol Mattix Award (May 9, 2024, New York, NY) - Washington University Nephrology Nurse Practitioner Lisa Koester, ANP, CS, CNN-NP, MSN, will be honored by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) with the Council of Nephrology Nurses and Technicians award in the name of Carol Mattix. The award will be presented to her at...

A Tale of Two Kidney Transplants: Family Saves the Day
Every year, millions of people get a health diagnosis that changes the course of their lives forever. For Nichole, this moment came in 2007. A few months after graduating high school, a routine physical for college revealed a devastating truth-Nichole's kidneys were not functioning correctly.

A Tale of Two Kidney Transplants: Family Saves the Day Every year, millions of people get a health diagnosis that changes the course of their lives forever. For Nichole, this moment came in 2007. A few months after graduating high school, a routine physical for college revealed a devastating truth–Nichole’s kidneys were not functioning correctly. Di...

5 Asian American and Pacific Islander Icons With Kidney Disease
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're showcasing the journeys of five people with kidney disease who made history. These stories remind us never to give up hope. They also highlight the importance of raising awareness about kidney disease within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities.

5 Asian American and Pacific Islander Icons With Kidney Disease In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're showcasing the journeys of five people with kidney disease who made history. These stories remind us never to give up hope. They also highlight the importance of raising awareness about kidney disease within the Asian American and...

Life, Love, and Transplant: Wife Donates Kidney to Husband By the time Lindsay met her future husband Denis in college, he had been dealing with kidney issues for years. It was a normal part of life that both Denis and Lindsay acknowledged but didn't dwell on. Neither expected Denis' kidneys to fail in his early thirties. But when they did, Lindsay didn't h...

Delicious and Nutritious: 5 Kidney Disease-Friendly Recipes Whether you're seeking a quick meal or a savory snack, the National Kidney Foundation has you covered with five new chronic kidney disease (CKD) recipes you will want to try. Jump to Recipe Everyone has different nutritional needs. Speak with a kidney dietitian or a healthcare provider about which r...

Cynthia Delgado and Neil Powe Named to TIME100 Health List For Fighting Kidney Transplant Bias (May 2, 2024, New York, NY)—TIME has included the co-chairs of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF)/ American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Diseases, among its first-ever list of the 100 most influential people in global health. Th...

Ada DeBold: How One Mother's Love Saved Thousands of Lives (Mother's Day)
It takes immense passion to crusade for social change but even then, it is no match for the zeal of mother on a mission to save her son. That's exactly how Ada DeBold's motherly love started a movement that gave birth to the National Kidney Foundation.

Ada DeBold: How One Mother’s Love Saved Thousands of Lives It takes immense passion to crusade for social change but even then, it is no match for the zeal of mother on a mission to save her son. That’s exactly how Ada DeBold’s motherly love started a movement that gave birth to the National Kidney Foundation.

A Life Cut Short: Honoring a Mother's Legacy through Gaming (Mother's Day)
When Joe was seven, his mother frequently visited the hospital, culminating in a four-month medically induced coma. As a child, he wasn't aware of what his mother was battling, only that she wasn't home and missed Thanksgiving or Christmas. It wasn't until he turned thirteen that he learned the truth.

A Life Cut Short: Honoring a Mother's Legacy through Gaming When Joe was seven, his mother frequently visited the hospital, culminating in a four-month medically induced coma. As a child, he wasn't aware of what his mother was battling, only that she wasn't home and missed Thanksgiving or Christmas. It wasn't until he turned thirteen that he learned the trut...

Honoring Three NKF Volunteers with Leadership in Action Award
At the National Kidney Foundation, we are committed to educating people about their risk of kidney disease while dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. We've made tremendous strides over the years, including the adoption of a race-free eGFR equation and passing the Securing the U.S.

The NKF to Honor Nephrologist and NYU Professor of Medicine Dr. David Charytan with the Distinguished J. Michael Lazarus Award (April 24, 2024, New York, NY) — The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is thrilled to announce that Nephrologist and Professor of Medicine David M. Charytan, MD, MSc, will be the 2024 recipient of the prestigious J. Michael Lazarus Distinguished Award. Dr. Charytan maintains a broad clinical practi...

Honoring Three NKF Volunteers with Leadership in Action Award
At the National Kidney Foundation, we are committed to educating people about their risk of kidney disease while dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. We've made tremendous strides over the years, including the adoption of a race-free eGFR equation and passing the Securing the U.S.

Honoring Three NKF Volunteers with The Arthur P. Pasquarella Leadership in Action Award At the National Kidney Foundation, we are committed to educating people about their risk of kidney disease while dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. We've made tremendous strides over the years, including the adoption of a race-free eGFR equation and pass...

Unfiltered Story: Anthony Tuggle
Twenty-five years ago, Anthony Tuggle went to the doctor with flu-like symptoms. He expected to be prescribed medication and sent home. The reality was far more severe-he was in kidney failure. Crashing into Dialysis The doctor was shocked that Anthony had driven himself to his office and was able to walk.

Unfiltered Story: Anthony Tuggle Twenty-five years ago, Anthony Tuggle went to the doctor with flu-like symptoms. He expected to be prescribed medication and sent home. The reality was far more severe–he was in kidney failure. Crashing into Dialysis The doctor was shocked that Anthony had driven himself to his office and was able...

The NKF Urges Passage of New Home Dialysis Bill
Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act aims to reduce barriers to treatment and increase access to care (April 22, 2024, Washington, DC) -The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is applauding a move by Congress to increase access to care and improve outcomes for some patients on dialysis.

The NKF Urges Passage of New Home Dialysis Bill Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act aims to reduce barriers to treatment and increase access to care (April 22, 2024, Washington, DC) —The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is applauding a move by Congress to increase access to care and improve outcomes for some patients on dialysis. The Improvin...

Today is "Transplant Needed Tuesday"

Meet Donnie Laster. Donnie is an army veteran that served in two combat tours overseas and one humanitarian tour, and served 8 years in the military. In 2009, Donnie was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis or FSGS. He was medically retired from the army in 2014. Due to his overseas tours there's high possibility he was exposed to something during his service that caused his kidney disease along with pre-existing medical issues. Unfortunately, his disease progressed, and he began dialysis in 2019. He is currently seeking a living donor so he can have more of a normal life.

Donnie has been married to his lovely wife for ten years, and they have a wonderful seven-year-old son. They love hiking, looking for fossils and gemstones, exploring caves as a family and he is an avid fisherman. He currently is the PE teacher at Grace Christian Academy, participates in Archery with his sons school, in addition to coaching soccer for the YMCA and other activities to feel as normal as possible going through life dependent on dialysis.

Donnie is listed at two transplant centers: UofL Health and Vanderbilt University. If you are interested in being a living donor for Donnie, please contact either of his coordinators - UofL Health and Trager Transplant Center at 502-587-4358 option 5 or Vanderbilt University Medical Center at 615-426-5589.

Please help us share his story so Donnie can find his gift of life!

Happy Foodie Friday!

Please click on the link below to view these delicious kidney friendly recipes that you and your family can enjoy this weekend!

Kidney-Friendly Recipes Find a recipe that's right for you!

Good Afternoon!

Take action today! Please act by clicking on the two links below and then share to your network, we have ONLY FOUR DAYs to get as many members of Congress to sign this letter as possible. Appreciate your help!

https://voices.kidney.org/home/

Patient's Deserve A Transplant System that Works! Ask Congress to support the HRSA OPTN Transplant Modernization Initiative to bring much needed accountability, transparency, and improved performance to our nation's organ donation and transplantation system.

Today is "Transplant Needed Tuesday"

Meet Anthony (Tony) Hartlage.

A Louisville native, and Oldham County resident for 49 years. Tony has been happily married for 32 amazing years, and has 3 sons and 3 precious grandchildren.

Tony's life took a turn in his thirties, with a kidney disease diagnosis. His kidneys are functioning at less than 10 percent. Receiving a kidney will help him take part in more activities and make memories with his lovely family. Tony loves serving his community and has a passion for animals as well.

If you are interested in helping Tony, please contact UK Living Kidney Donor Program at 859-323-2467.

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