The Journey Continues

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 at https://www.aarondsims.com/ 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.  Learn more at https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/

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 @magicianactorFacebook @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/

Imagine receiving a life-changing call from a friend—a call that offers the promise of renewed health. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Monica Fox, a survivor of kidney disease and recipient of a life-saving transplant whose battle embodies the profound essence of friendship and resilience.In late 2013, Monica's life took a dramatic turn when she fell ill at work, eventually leading to kidney failure and a coma. Listen as Monica shares her remarkable story, from the depths of illness to the triumph of receiving a directed deceased donor transplant---a life-saving gift from her friend. Along the way, she sheds light on the staggering statistics surrounding organ donation, including the over 100,000 people currently awaiting transplants, with 60% of them being people of color.Through Monica's journey, we witness the transformative power of friendship, hope and the profound impact of organ donation.

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.

Janet Hasson, LCSW is used to helping her clients navigate life's challenges. When her young son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, she found herself in need of support and created a community of fellow kidney parents. Now she advocates for funding, research and more for kidney patients across the nation.

In her role at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, as well as in her own personal health journey, Shelley Turk has learned the importance of the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Her commitment to whole person and whole community health is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention with increased education, access, and early detection. This episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Learn more at bcbsil.com

John Czechowicz is a self-described professional dialysis patient. He and his wife Sara are an unstoppable team, loving and supporting one another through 27 years of marriage, parenting their son, and finding the right dialysis treatment to fit their lifestyle. This episode is sponsored by Fresenius Kidney Care. Learn more at https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/

Getting listed for a transplant isn't as simple as making a phone call to add your name. The process and be long and confusing.  Transplant Coordinator Amanda Michaud helps her patients navigate the journey, every step of the way.  This episode is sponsored by NANI - Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com

When someone loses their Medicaid coverage, they must apply for “redetermination.” Nancy Wohlhart from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois explains how to regain coverage to ensure everyone receives the quality medical care they deserve. Learn more about Medicaid access at Medicaid.govThis episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Learn more at bcbsil.com

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 Blue Shield of Illinois, shop online at bcbsil.com/medicare or call 1-877-213-1821. Blue Door Neighborhood Centers provide access to resources which can include healthcare navigation as well as health and wellness education. For more information on the Blue Door Neighborhood Centers – currently serving the Pullman, Morgan Park, and South Lawndale neighborhoods in Chicago – visit bcbsil.com/bdnc The Care Van Program offers resources for communities across Illinois. The program provides a variety of resources including immunizations, colorectal cancer screening, and health literacy. Community members can find the Care Van at https://www.bcbsil.com/company-info/community-involvement/carevan-program 

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 & visitors, then click on healthy living to find information about food insecurity and fresh trucks. Cook County Health centers can be found here: Healthy Living – Cook County Health. 

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 will always be a part of Julian's journey.”

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: facebook.com/PattiOrthwein

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 Twitter at @VATransplantCHI  

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 @MissQuadCities on Facebook and @MissQuadCities2023 and @jessica_tilton on Instagram.

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.