Episode 43: AAKP Ambassador Laura Ellsworth 21st Kidney Transplant Anniversary Special
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Ambassador, Laura Ellsworth. She was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease when she was a Senior in High School. Laura shares her experience of feeling the effects of CKD leading up to receiving her transplant from a very special person. Kent and Laura also talk about Preemptive Transplants, the importance of having Health Insurance as a Transplant Recipient, and much more! Please join us in congratulating Laura on her Kidney Transplant Anniversary! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of...
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Episode 42: AAKP Ambassador Brandy Webster 3rd Kidney Transplant Anniversary Special
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Ambassador, Brandy Webster. Brandy lives in Utah with her wife Lyndzie and their beautiful daughter. She shares her story of being diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy (also known as Berger’s Disease), her choice to forgo dialysis, and pursue a preemptive Kidney Transplant. Later in the episode, We learn which special person in her life became her Donor and how the Kidney Community helped as her Kidney Transplant approached. This is truly an inspirational story. Mentioned on the podcast: If you or someone you know would...
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Episode 41: Jennifer Jones - Retired Marine & Active Duty Kidney Warrior
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Ambassador, AAKP Ambassador Jennifer Jones. A retired Marine Veteran Jennifer’s life changed drastically in a matter of months due to kidney disease. Her kidneys began to fail while deployed to Afghanistan which resulted in immediate medical evacuation to Germany to receive a diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome. Upon returning to the states, she was immediately admitted as a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. After months of testing and multiple medications, she was diagnosed with...
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Episode 40: Tamera Powell Needs a Kidney Donor. Are you the one?
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Tamera Powell from San Antonio, TX. She is currently performing Peritoneal Dialysis at home, seven days a week. She is experiencing kidney failure. Tamera is on the Kidney Donor waitlist with Methodist Hospital Speciality and Transplant Center and is searching for a Living Kidney Donor. Her strong faith in God has encouraged her to seek a donor and dream of starting a family after transplant. She would like to get back to work and continue advocating for children in foster care, something she’s been doing for the past 20 years and...
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Episode 39: AAKP Ambassador Alana Hunnicutt 4th Kidney Transplant Anniversary Special
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Ambassador, Alana Hunnicutt. She shares her story of being diagnosed with FSGS, receiving a Preemptive Kidney Transplant from her Brother, it’s unfortunate rejection, time on Dialysis, and her second Transplant, from her Husband! Alana speaks on the importance of being your own advocate and how she was able to receive her second Transplant after being rejected by several Transplant Programs. This is truly a story of resilience and not giving up. If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of a...
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Episode 38: Payal Shah - Genetic Testing and Kidney Disease
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Payal Shah. She is a good friend and has become a regular guest on the Podcast. Payal received a Kidney Transplant at the age of 15 and is now a Doctor of Pharmaceuticals. Kent and Payal have a great conversation in regards to Genetic testing as it relates to Kidney Disease. See links below to some (not-inclusive) companies that provide genetic testing for rare diseases that lead to End-Stage Kidney Disease: Disclaimer: Genetic testing and counseling should be done in partnership with a physician consult to determine if it is the best...
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Episode 37: Jennifer Milton - Blazing a Trail in the Transplant World
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Jennifer Milton. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Chief Administrative Officer at the University Transplant Center (UTC) in San Antonio, TX. Kent and Jennifer speak about the exciting news regarding the upcoming National Living Donor Registry, Paired Kidney Exchange, UTC's success with Liver Transplant and Kidney Transplant from Hepatitis C Donors, her goal to double the number of Transplants by the year 2030, why her mantra in regards to her work is "steal this idea," and much much more! Jennifer entered the field of...
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Episode 36: Dr. Jonas Gadson Needs a Kidney Donor. Are you the one?
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Dr. Jonas Gadson, currently, he is in Beauford, SC. He learned he only has ONE kidney which is only performing at 5-11%. In 2005, Jonas took early retirement from Eastman Kodak to return home to help care for his 81-year-old, ill mother. He returned to school and earned his doctorate degree in Theology. He is currently a Minister in his church. Dr. Gadson is also very active with his area Chamber of Commerce where he completed their Leadership Class. He serves as a national advocate for the facility where he...
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Episode 35: Patti's Partners to find a Cure for PKD
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Patti Ruffin. She shares her amazing Transplant story and what she is doing now to help promote awareness for Kidney Disease and those in need of a Transplant. Patti is a driving force in San Antonio, TX with creating awareness for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and an upcoming virtual Walk for PKD. Please consider gathering your team to join the Walk or Donate. You can contact Patti with any questions regarding the Walk for PKD, at Items Mentioned during the Podcast: – great info for fundraising, team creation, virtual walking, with...
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Episode 34: AAKP Advocate Margaret Baggett 11th Kidney Transplant Anniversary Special
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Advocate, Margaret Baggett. She began Peritoneal Dialysis in October of 2008 and received “the call” in September of 2009 that she was going to receive a Kidney Transplant from a Deceased Donor. Margaret’s husband Bill joins in the conversation and the fun as well. Margaret’s story is one that brings hope to those who are in need of a Kidney Transplant later in life. There is always hope. She reflects on her time at AAKP Conventions and the events leading to receiving the phone call, her Transplant, and much much more! ...
info_outlineWelcome back! In this episode, Kent talks with Scott Mullin. Kent calls Scott a Hero and deservedly so! Scott donated his Kidney as a part of the Kidney Paired Exchange Program. In doing so, he made it possible for our Producer, Jason Nunez, to receive Kidney Transplant in January of this year! Scott shares his journey and experience through the Transplant process. We also learn how Scott’s faith played a large role in going through this process. To make this story even more amazing, Scott’s Kidney donation was done in June of this year, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information on Kidney Paired Exchange Program:
https://unos.org/transplant/kidney-paired-donation/
Have questions for Kent? Contact him at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org
For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org
Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez