Real Kidney Living

April is National Donate Life Month and in this episode we talk with Nancy Ryan who is the Director of Development at Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network as well as Laura Reff, whose daughter Lucy gave the gift of life after passing from a sudden illness. We learn more about Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network and the process of organ procurement as well as hearing from the point of view of a donor family and how this process affects them. 

April is National Donate Life Month. In this episode we discuss living donors with our guests Dr. Jeremy Taylor a Nephrologist at the University of Rochester, the Medical Director for the Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center and an Associate Professor of Medicine and Sebastian Curatolo a living donor recipient who received a Kidney Transplant in 2020. 

On this episode we talk about self advocacy and how to be your own best advocate with our special guest Mary Woo, a two kidney transplant recipient.

Host John Vito talks with guest Samantha Tleiji about her journey as a kidney patient and her current search for a donor. Check out Samantha's Facebook page here:https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Service/Kidney-for-Samantha-103350734563816/

Host John Vito talks about the Kidney Diet with Special Guest Jessianna Saville, MS, RDN, CSR, LD, CLT and founder of The Kidney RD. Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour.Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you

Welcome back, everyone! I know we’ve talked a lot about kidney disease but I wanted to take today and build awareness regarding another associated condition. This condition is one that is so prevalent in our society and takes a routine monitoring schedule, tracking of activities of daily living and incredible perseverance to overcome. It is also one of the most prevalent risk factors for chronic kidney disease and it is... Diabetes. Today, I have the privilege of discussing my guest’s journey with this condition and how she has overcome adversity and in both her gestures, community involvement and personally to me in my girlfriend, Ms. Alexandra Snyder. Alexandra’s questions – 1.) Tell us a little about yourself and can you give us insight as to what the daily monitoring is like?I’m 21 years old and have had Diabetes for the past 20 years. I also have Celiac disease and this tends to run hand in hand with Diabetes. I love to be outside, spend time with friends and ultimately, try to manage my condition to the best of my ability. Every day is different from one another. Normally, each morning would start off with a finger stick and doing insulin with my normal coffee and eating in the afternoon with a finger stick if you’re high. It can be dependent on exercise, water or different ways to treat lows. Some of the hardships involve my sensor with different readings and can be hit or miss. Ultimately, it’s something that has saved my life, especially during the night when I don’t feel my lows. I try to eat the same food everyday, but sometimes there are additional factors like stress, anxiety, work BUT ultimately, it is possible to see the light have a good day.2.) As some might now, November is Diabetes Awareness Month, can you tell us a little about events and activities that you have participated in as a result of this month?I call it “my month” as it’s Diabetes Awareness Month. I remember that I used to participate in the JDRF walks and me and my whole neighborhood used to have a team called “Ally’s snacks.” And we used to sell snacks and it was just a day of positivity. Another thing that I used to do was the “sugar pre-game meetings” with children and families to support one another through this disease. One of my favorite events held is the OneHope Ball and it’s all about Diabetes Awareness. 3.) Can you tell us about the connection between Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes and how they keep you vigilant?I do know that there’s a link between chronic kidney disease and diabetes. When your blood sugars run high for an extended period of time. The excess glucose damage the vessels in your kidneys and kidney failure in addition to other complications. I think knowing that this damage can happen very quickly has kept me vigilant. On its own, Diabetes has made hyper-vigilant about complications that could arise from it. 4.) Can you tell us a little about your support system and how it’s helped you throughout time?When you’re a baby, you’re not able to take care of yourself. For the majority of my childhood up until kindergarten, my parents controlled my blood sugars and carb counted for me. I’m very thankful for everything that they did and keeping me alive. I really leaned on other friends in the Diabetes community as I got older. My family is still very involved, my mom will ask me how my sugars are. If I was ever to need anything, I know that they would be there. I feel as though you, Doug are incredibly important. Everyone that I am close to offers some form of support. Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome back, everyone! Today, I wanted to discuss one of the topics that we’ve given a sneak peak to but haven’t quite addressed! WHO are we as the Northeast Kidney Foundation? Well, I can say that our driving motivation and commitment stems from wanting to help others. A common thread is the personal fulfillment that is accomplished by individual involvement. Whether it be understanding the risks to ourselves or others, participating in events that broaden our informational reach or by taking the ultimate step of donation, our staff truly does make a difference.The Northeast Kidney Foundation Summary – Who are we? What do we aim to do? And how will we continuously aim to serve you?The Northeast Kidney Foundation has an experienced and talented staff who are instrumental in achieving their mission:1. Carol LaFleur has been the Northeast Kidney Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer for over a decade. After seeing an ad in the newspaper and being at the turning point in her career, the rest is history. She attributes her connections and journey of self discovery to her personal and professional growth within the Foundation and is proudly our fearless leader.2. Whitney Malone is our Office Manager and Events Coordinator. Her heartfelt and determined work through Foundation events has assisted her in her personal life including enhancing her role as a mother.3. Melissa Stephens is our Director of Development. Her passion for outreach and non-profit work drew her to this position and she is also an altruistic kidney donor.4. Sharon Johnson is the Regional Director of the Rochester/Syracuse area. Her willingness to help others and especially working with children in the form of support groups her role as a puppeteer and an altruistic kidney donor has encouraged her to fulfill the Foundation’s mission. 5. Jessica Spiak is our Social Media and Marketing Director. She has been touched by the Foundation and worked her way from intern to Marketing Director and has found pleasure in the interactions and growth that she has experienced with outreach. She has been touched by the Foundation’s mission as her father also experiences chronic kidney disease.6. I am Douglas Brown, your host and the Special Projects Coordinator for the Foundation and you all know my story.The staff as a whole is dedicated to strengthening connections with families who are affected and professional who are leaders in their field in order to address the treatment and prevention of kidney disease.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome back, everyone! Today, I wanted to discuss one of our most important topics to be discussed as a community; organ donation. First-hand perspectives take on powerful roles and I wanted to enlighten our listens to one life – the life of Dalton Criss, who saved many on his journey and now, in our memories. Today, I am honored to be joined by Dalton’s father, Dexter who chronicles their story in the most vivid fashion. I ask you to listen closely as we dive into the organizations, individuals and our own motivations for giving the gift of life. Dexter’s Questions – 1.) Tell us a little about yourself!I am professor of chemistry at SUNY Plattsburgh and my family and I moved here in 1999. We have been the mainstay for Gospel choir here at the college. Of course, the main reason for this is being Dalton’s father. His life is the life that keeps on giving. 2.) What was it that inspired your decision to help donate your loved one’s organs?It actually started a few years before the accident. Dalton had just turned 18 and there was a box that asked him about organ donation. He was always like that, asking questions and I said “Absolutely, you will never have to worry about that.” In retrospect, it was the first time I smiled after the accident - it was when I was told that my son was an organ donor. 3.) Can you explain the steps involved in this process of deciding to be an organ donor and the moments involved with the process coming to fruition? Both Dalton and my wife were in the accident and in a coma. The doctors thought that Dalton would make it. However, his condition worsened and it was not the case. If he had survived, he would have lived a very uncomfortable life. We made a decision, my daughter and I to let God take Dalton home. The steps were taken and an honor walk was performed. There was a large gathering, including complete strangers and it gives you so much pride to know that your son, even in his death – he found a way to help at least 50 lives.4.) How has this process helped you to heal and process the loss of Dalton?It gave us an opportunity to bring anyone together. It allowed us to grieve with others – watching other people grieve the loss of my little boy allowed for a beautiful moment. These individuals realized that Dalton was their brother. Everyday, I think about those recipients who were benefitting from a very healthy young man.5.) Who was a part of your support system?When I got that call, I called one woman who is a sister to me and she drove. She drove to the ferry and all the way after the airlift to Vermont for Dalton. I have a very close male friend who I have to mention and he took care of things by phone, people were showing up to cut our grass and burn wood. He has just really integrated into our family.6.) What would you say to someone who is faced with this decision to donate their organs?It is an honorable but by no means an easy decision. You realize that within the next 24 hours someone’s life will be changed for another lifetime. I can wake up knowing every day that this an incredible decision. I would advise everyone to think closely about it.7.) If you could pick, what has been the single most important thing that you’ve learned. It is just how close we all are. I knew God blessed me and that Dalton had something special to do in life and I guess this was it. I saw that love in him and it opened my eyes to how great a person he was.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome back, everyone! Today, I thought that I could take a crack at spinning a positive note on one of the most prevalent topics in the world today: Covid-19. Join me and my guest – Dr. Andrew Bomback, an Adult Nephrologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Irving Medical Center within Columbia University as we explore the effects of this disease on the renal system and what we can do to stay healthy during this time. We’ll explore current research, outcomes and everyday practices that can be instituted both in the kidney community and general public!Dr. Bomback’s Questions – 1.) Tell us a little about yourself!I am nephrologist for adult patients and specialize in glomerular diseases; which are some of the rarer forms of kidney disease. I still perform general and hospital-based nephrology care and Irving focuses on a large spectrum of kidney diseases.2.) It’s been noted that there are renal effects as a result of Covid-19 – what kind of extra precautions should those with underlying conditions be taking and why might they keep changing?I think the most important thing that anyone can do is follow the science (i.e your nephrologist as a kidney disease patient). Yes, it’s out there and can be lethal. It’s also something that you can protect yourself from with mask usage, social distancing, avoiding large groups or any non-essential travel. The most impressive portion from my being a New Yorker is the adherence level to these protocols. We recognized what it could do and now we know to protect ourselves. 3.) To your best knowledge, what is the current research and data showing with the effects of Covid-19 and the kidneys?We generally see a condition called acute tubular necrosis – the patients are getting extremely sick, developing sepsis with ischemic injury to the kidney (a “kidney attack”) and it is the inflammatory response that causes this damage. If the patient shows signs of recovery, the kidney will follow that course in these instances.4.) Is anyone, even the average, otherwise healthy individual at risk for kidney damage if they contract Covid-19?Yes, there are asymptomatic cases but the patients with severe infection that have an exceptionally high inflammatory response will correlate with higher outcomes of kidney disease. 5.) Given your specific background in glomerular diseases, have you seen this disease act any differently within your own specific patient population.No, and it’s because glomerular disease patients tend to be young. We know that youth is a positive risk factor and we expect better outcomes in these patients. 6.) What was the transition period from pre Covid-19 to practicing in what became the epicenter?We benefitted immensely from having colleagues in Europe to set our expectation level. It was important to get that heads-up. Everything became operationalized and It was a rapid transition to the post-crisis time where we started seeing a decline in cases. Care has transitioned to a normal sense with the exception of virtual care, personal protective important and potentially even immunosuppression protocols. 7.) Where do you see this going in the future with testing or effects on the healthcare system in the next few years?It looks like some medications are helpful and we are optimistic for effective vaccines. I think it’s more likely that a vaccine will alleviate the morbidity and mortality rates but also that that this will likely be the norm for the immediate future. Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks again for tuning in, everyone! In this episode, I thought that we could begin by discussing prevention and detection methods used to understand your kidney health. I wanted to discuss a unique and flexible way to understand your kidney health in an everyday capacity! Today, join my guest - Ms. Monica Abou-Ezzi, former Vice President of the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness program at Boston University and I as we discuss screening initiatives taken that we and many other special individuals continue to foster in local communities around the country.Monica’s Questions – 1.) What brought you to the fields of kidney and transplant medicine, respectively when you entered college?I actually had a family history of kidney disease. When I started college and found the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program (KDSAP), internships and other opportunities through Boston Medical Center. I really like how it offers a window of opportunity to be a manageable disease and looking for different warning signs and lab results. I like the challenge.2.) What were the goals of the Kidney Disease Screening and Awareness Program? Who did we reach and how did we accomplish this?I like to think that this organization’s mission is simply, to serve. Earlier disease stages offer more option for treatment. We strive to catch kidney disease in its early stages and have prevention strategies to alleviate the financial, geographical or cultural concerns that potentially exist to having access to these methods of healthcare. We aim to go into communities and provide screening services to give you information that you need to keep your kidneys healthy.3.) Are there sessions and/or events that include or in addition to screenings to ensure that your mission is reached?The screening process entails preparation including training student volunteers in the different stations. This terminates with a physician consultation with volunteer physicians on site. They will have a medical history taken, urinalysis, BP measurement, blood glucose and BMI taken. Additionally, the program is run via fundraising in our communities (i.e bake sale) or educational events (i.e speaker series - physicians Q&A or patient perspective) and students who are interested in a pre-medical path via professional panels. 4.) Who can participate in this program? Who is the target audience and how do you go about the process of expanding?Currently, this is program run on undergraduate university campuses. It often starts with one student proposing the idea to start the organization on campus. Headquarters has prioritized nationwide outreach and we’re excited for the opportunities.5.) If you had one 5-minute window to speak with a screening participant, volunteer, new student or any other interested member of this organization, what would you say and why?With a participant, I would introduce myself and ask about their background and stress the importance of health in their lives. We urge you to come and get screened and to help us to help you. We stress to volunteers that they have to be flexible with the ability to help people and have an open mind.6.) How do you think we as a community can continue to perpetuate these messages? We want to stress health education or even signs of kidney disease to look out for. We want to coordinate volunteer efforts, provide easy information avenues or even gathering professional connections to begin your own screening efforts. Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Thank you so much for tuning in! In this episode, I thought we could reflect on a few of the core topics that makes us human: self-care and mental health strategies. The Northeast Kidney Foundation and I want you to know that it’s okay and to give yourself permission to feel how you are. We want to give YOU strategies to overcome, empathize and move through these challenging times. Listen in this week, as I am joined by the Attending Pediatric Transplant Psychologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Kristine McKenna in order to explore these care strategies. Dr. McKenna’s Questions – 1.) Tell us about yourself – what drew you to the field of Psychology and how do you continuously aim to make a difference?I always knew that I wanted to help others. I was planning a career in the Oncology field to help patients cope with treatments and painful procedures. I began to feel drawn to the questions beyond the clinic such as: quality of life, explaining to their peers / parenting a child in the context of chronic illness. Later, after additional training, an opportunity arose at Boston Children’s Hospital in the field of transplant medicine and I wanted to help children through this process.2.) How would you explain the topic of Mental Health and what therapy is subsequently like?There is the field of psychotherapy or “talk therapy” where patients will undergo treatment for mental health concerns that are significantly impacting their daily life. The goal of therapy is to improve quality of life or overcome those obstacles and feel a sense of confidence. Providers will undergo training in fields such as: Psychiatry, Social Workers and Psychologists. We want to explore their goals as individuals so they can develop that positive view of themselves. We want them to put that “winter coat” on to feel warm and reach out to their healthcare provider.3.) How do we establish a trusting relationship between patient and provider and how do we gauge this interaction given it can be so sensitive?The technical term for this is the “Therapeutic Alliance” which encompasses the caregiving and relationship aspects along with what is discussed. It’s a good time to analyze this relationship and try to find a provider that matches your needs. It’s creating a safe space with a fluid focus and navigating it together. Confidentiality is key and these aspects are discussed early on in the relationship.4.) How do we as a transplant community continue to perpetuate these messages of support and positivity and how do you as a provider derive fulfillment from that?This is a highlight on stressors that have been recurring long-term in addition to this pandemic environment. One of the core aspects of well-being is self-care. We need to emphasize the re-charge mechanism in our bodies (i.e. relaxation techniques or mindfulness strategies). There are old / new hobbies, reaching out to your healthcare team or even sleep hygiene that every transplant patient and their family uses discover the energy to perform these necessary tasks. 5.) How can we take strides to really put together the before, during and after this challenging time as a worldwide?These large events can be difficult. Individual and community stress can run high. Maximization of our support networks and building resilience are important as we give ourselves credit and recognize that these emotions are valid. We will build a toolkit that we can use now and, in the future, as we navigate these times together. Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I thought we could reflect on one of the core topics that the Northeast Kidney Foundation and its partner organizations promotes: organ donation. Currently, Donate Life NYS aims to utilize outreach, advocacy, legislative, research and education efforts in order to encourage the donation of this gift of life. Listen in, as I am joined by the Executive Director of Donate Life, NYS: Ms. Aisha Tator as we explore the outreach models used to make this topic positive and prevalent in our society. If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s the link to make it easy: https://donatelife.ny.gov/register/Aisha’s Questions – 1.) What is your role and what is Donate Life NYS? What is your mission?I am the Executive Director of Donate Life NYS. We look to promote this message and question of: "will you give this gift of life?" through state and local organizations that encompass a multitude of realms including: legal offices, healthcare profession networks and organ recovery and procurement organizations while creating a collaborative avenue of support.2.) Why does this gap exist between donor enrollment and potential recipients in the state of New York? The gap is 9:1 in terms of enrollees and potential recipients as there were 9,000-9,500 on the waiting list and only 1,000 potential donors in the registry. The issue becomes streamlining our strategies and resources while creating an equal market given our common altruistic tendencies as people for our message. 3.) How can we streamline the registration process? How can we create avenues that allow this message of enrolling in the registry to be heard?We have worked so hard to place the “Donor Designation Question” in as many avenues as we can. We have to get in front of college applications, income taxes etc. and where the greatest exposure is. It becomes a matter of “what does everybody do?” We can create a cultural message in “we” the state of NY believe that this topic is important. 4.) Why could it be that this topic of organ donation is so passive to the average person?Let’s look at a survey: 86% of New Yorkers have said: “sure, I’ll do that.” There are different factors such as: lack of streamlined methods between cultural and theological realms that spell out “let’s do this.” There might be language barriers or additional challenges that exist. Therefore, there has to be a “cultural sensitivity” with communication. There is state level work in progress to enroll individuals who could be on the registry. It takes a sense of connection to make this topic prominent and known throughout the community.5.) This month is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. What are a few forums, activities or events that we can participate in to make this topic prominent in these multi-cultural communities?Let’s look at this from a larger lens: National Minority Donor Awareness Month is a collaborative initiative of National Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Multicultural Action Group and also DonateLife America, etc. 36,000 transplants performed in 2019: 21% to African Americans and 45% to a minority population. We want to create a sense of connection and positive understanding using: -virtual awareness, information counsels and become embedded in these communities to use common language and nuances in order for them to understand the need.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I hope you brought your silverware, picnic basket and most importantly, your appetite! Listen in as I am joined by Chef and Author, John Vito as he shares his experiences with the nuances of the restaurant world and the constantly evolving renal diet. He has his own website and cookbook, “Cooking for your Kidneys” and the Northeast Kidney Foundation has been proud to work with him. If you are looking to “spice” your day up, this is the show for you!SHOW NOTES: o Bridging the gap – information needs to be readily available, it’s important that we offer options so that we can know exactly what kind of food is on our plate, including nutrients that are encased within the meal and preparation that is done beforehand. o Small changes - ONE meal, what are you eating? What do you enjoy? How can we adapt? There are individual diet changes that can be made. The focus on individual recipes emphasizes what they like and how they can adapt those tastes in their weekly grocery routine.o Adaptability – flavor enhancers allow for unique ingredients to be used in a way to allow food to taste good. For instance, Parmesean Cheese and its preparation can play a large role in creating a healthy environment. We have the ability to gather the information necessary that leads to both healthy changes and subsequent acceptance in our daily lives.John’s Questions – 1.) What’s your story?I really wanted to focus on the “gap” that exists between what we can vs. have to modify eating. Friends, family and the transplant community can have fun and enjoy food that that want. It was about learning how to adapt my cooking to serve those individuals.2.) How long have you enjoyed cooking and how did the dialysis, CKD and transplantation processes influence your cooking?I helped out when I was young, through college and in graduate school. Consistent measures need to be taken into account; but every patient is unique. The complexity is confusing – how could we maintain nutrients and balance flavor while making these recipes? This was an issue that I wanted to help with understanding. 3.) Can you highlight a few of the points in both your website and book?I began to read the cookbooks provided to me by the resources available. I wanted to know who was writing, reading and eating them. I began to probe the community to see what they wanted to eat. As it turns out, there was a disconnect between what was presented and what they wanted to eat. I wanted to focus on the individual nutrients, specifically, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and bring them to the people. We now know that every individual’s dietary needs are evolving. Labs and body chemistry will play a role in the unique elements of the diet.4.) What is the difference between the renal and other diets?The kidney maintains balance in the body. Lack of balance or diminished function equates to more control by us as a patient community. We have to match our level of nutrients with our body’s ability to control. Phosphorus and Potassium WILL be highly controlled. Protein plays a unique role and there is often interplay with other organ systems.5.) How did the change play a role in your own life?Specifics are incredibly important. We don’t have something like phosphorus listed on nutrition labels and readily available. It’s important to access and apply that information from any database so that I could know what to make and how much to eat.Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Greetings, my name is Douglas Brown and I am a two-time kidney transplant recipient. Today, I hope to inspire you all to tell your own story. Mine is one of incredible diversity, necessary medical intervention and the ability to overcome adversity with the help of my support system and the Northeast Kidney Foundation. If you are looking to learn to be empowered and begin to share your own story – listen in!SHOW NOTES: · “You must fail to succeed” – This mantra, taught to me by my father enlighten the many different types of adversity that I would have to overcome to live a normal life. · Expand your horizons - I lived in Palo Alto, California, Boston, MA and Albany, NY. Each presented an opportunity for growth and development with peer interactions, medical regimens and academic prowess with continued professional endeavors. · Appreciate the journey – There is never a linear path to obtain one’s ultimate goal. It takes courage to say that it’s okay to find an alternative. · Use your support system – My friends, family, girlfriend and the Foundation have been the ultimate sources of support It’s important to find the right words and utilize the appropriate resources to help all of those individuals achieve at a high level. · Become Involved – The Northeast Kidney Foundation empowers all community members to support their mission of reducing the effects of kidney disease and empowering voices for advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. Meryl’s Questions – 1.) What ran through your head when you knew you were going to have a child with a chronic disease for the rest of their life?Appropriate resources were necessary. We definitely needed to gain perspective based on the transplant teams's opinion which taught us to “expect the unexpected”2.) How has this disease influenced your parenting style? Overprotective measures were definitely taken. It became necessary for me to organize medical regimens in order for you to learn the same skills and become independent. Though it’s a hard pill to swallow at times, we value that. 3.) If you could pick, what do you believe has been the most special part of this journey?Advocacy and the sense of responsibility that you have developed encourages your self-awareness. My personal experiences such as my performing of your peritoneal dialysis allowed me to feel engaged in your care. 4.) What would you list as the top 3 characteristics that you have incorporated into your personal life as a result of CKD and the subsequent transplantation process?Positivity – treatment alternatives, an optimal care team and overcoming any adversity will always be our driving forces.Assertive and Inquisitive Attitude- ensuring comfort while asking questions in order to understand various maintenance regimens became a necessary balance to run.Selective Social Interaction – close and personal relationships allowed for the sharing of sensitive information.5.) How has the Northeast Kidney Foundation and its partner organizations helped you achieve our mission of lessening the effects of kidney disease in our local community or even on a national level?Our founding of “Doug’s Team” and participation in various events along with volunteer work for partner organizations has allowed me to feel fulfilled while helping further their mission. Please be sure to tell you friends and family about the show! Look out for our pilot and future episodes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please be sure to look out for our next episode on the Renal Diet!