Episode 31: Colm Clifford – Helping Kidney Patients through Support Groups
Release Date: 08/28/2020
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this inspiring episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler invites Jonathan Traylor from Kerrville, Texas, to discuss the upcoming fun walk in April and the remarkable work being done at Kidney Solutions. Jonathan, the organization's social media director, shares how his personal journey with kidney disease led him to give back to the community that supported him through his own health challenges. Kent and Jonathan dive into the growth of Kidney Solutions, highlighting an influx of new patients and the critical need for funding to expand their patient-centered services. They...
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info_outlineWelcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks the Colm Clifford. Colm is a three-time kidney transplant recipient. Born with only one functioning kidney, Colm suffered reflux as a child which damaged this kidney. He went on CAPD at the age of 11 and was transplanted in March 1990, which was not a success as the kidney never functioned. In November 1990, he received his second transplant which gave him a great quality of life for over 22 years. He found himself back on dialysis (CAPD) for two and a half years but due to complications had to move to hemodialysis for a year and a half until his recent transplant in March 2017.
For over 20 years, ironically, Colm works for a pharmaceutical company which produces the immunosuppressant he currently takes. He is actively involved in the Kerry Branch of the Irish Kidney Association and has recently set up a patient support group meeting for people on a similar journey. His passion is to promote awareness and educate people on the importance of organ donation through one-on-one talks and group talks in schools and communities.
Have a question for Kent? Send him an email at [email protected]
For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org
Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez