Episode 41: Jennifer Jones - Retired Marine & Active Duty Kidney Warrior
Release Date: 10/12/2020
Kent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with our Audio Engineer/Producer, Jason Nunez. He endured Peritoneal Dialysis and a Right Foot Below-the-Knee Amputation before receiving the gift of life with a Kidney Transplant on 01/16/20. Kent and Jason have a great conversation about Jason’s Kidney Journey, his return to full-time work after 4 years, testing positive for COVID-19, and much more! Follow Jason’s Kidney Journey on his . Tune in to 2 Guys 6 Kidneys with Jason and his fellow Kidney Warrior Rich Thames on the Urban Health Media Outreach and pages. They have a wide...
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Ambassador, Curtis Warfield. He is a typical CKD patient with a great story about his journey to dialysis and transplant. Kent finds out that he has personal views about the need to be your own advocate. We join in celebrating Curtis' 5 year Kidney Transplant Anniversary! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of Kent’s Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at Host: Kent BresslerProducer: Jason Nunez
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Chance and Ashleigh Eckert about preemptive living donor transplants. Chance was diagnosed with FSGS in his early twenties, while he was in college. He received a transplant five months ago at the age of 28. They share their transplant journey. The Eckert's are an inspiring young couple! Click play and let's hear their incredible story. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode, contact Kent at For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at Host: Kent BresslerProducer: Jason Nunez
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent records a podcast while on his morning walk. He reflects on the monumental news of the U.S. Senate approval of immunosuppressive drug coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode, contact Kent at For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at Host: Kent BresslerProducer: Jason Nunez
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Welcome back! In today’s milestone episode, Kent speaks with his friend and President of Kidney Solutions Board of Directors, Bruce Craft. He received his Kidney Transplant from his Sister, nearly 50 years ago from his sister! Bruce shares his experience thus far as a transplant recipient. Later in the episode, our Producer Jason joins in the episode. As a recent kidney transplant recipient, Jason took the opportunity to pick Bruce and Kent’s brian and asked them to provide some insight for newly transplanted patients. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this...
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Shephalie, Michelle, and Mike from Natera about the benefits of Prospera when a Transplant Patient is faced with testing for Rejection. Kent and his wonderful guests help unpack Prospera and all that this Rejection Assessment Tool has to offer. We learn: How is Prospera used? Does it require a biopsy? What research has gone into this test? Much more! For more information on Prospera, click If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode, contact Kent at For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at Host:...
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Christine and Trudy from Natera. At the beginning of the episode, Kent shares a profound message from Matthew Rabinowitz, Founder of Natera. We learn quite a bit about genetic testing, such as: What are the benefits of genetic testing?" How much does testing cost will my insurance cover it? How will knowing this information help my family members? And much more! For more information on Natera Genetic Testing, click If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode, contact Kent at For more information on Kidney...
info_outlineKent's Kidney Stories
Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks to his friend, Armand Halter. Armand initially learned that his kidneys were failing after donating blood. He endured Peritoneal Dialysis for 3 years. During this time, Armand worked and traveled. We learn a very unique aspect of Armand’s transplant. He and Kent reflect on the emotions that are tied to receiving a Kidney Transplant. Later in the episode, we learn about the wonderful work Armand is doing with the National Kidney Foundation's Peer Mentoring program. Mentioned on the episode: For more information on Kidney Solutions,...
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with AAKP’s Ambassador, Gail Glasser. We join in celebrating Gail's 5 year Kidney Transplant Anniversary! Gail has lived with kidney disease since she was 18 years old when an undiagnosed strep throat impacted her kidney. Gail's nephrologist was ahead of his time and believed in a treatment plan that was supplemented with specific diets and vitamins. This made it possible for Gail to go 30+ years without requiring dialysis or a transplant. She ultimately received her kidney transplant in November 2015 from a deceased donor and has since been...
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Welcome back! In today’s episode, Kent speaks with Edward Drake, II. “Why me?” Ed asked himself when he was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with renal failure at age 20. Then he asked himself “Why not me?” This prompted him to use his negative experience in a positive way—to spread the word that while it is true certain people are at an increased risk, kidney disease can happen to anyone, at any time, and that’s why it’s so important to get checked early. Edward received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor in October of 2008, and continues to spread the word...
info_outlineWelcome 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 Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) shortly after her 28th birthday. The cause is unknown and there is very limited information on MPGN Type 1 Idiopathic. Jennifer was medically retired after almost 12 years of service as a Combat Camera Videographer including 3 tours to Iraq and the 1 to Afghanistan which ended her career. Facing physical and mental challenges while living alone with limited assistance from friends and family caused isolation, depression, and even suicidal ideations. She knew that she had to make a decision, is she going to become her own advocate in order to take charge of her health and well-being, or is she going to give up and succumb to this disease?
Jennifer is an incredibly inspirational person and provides some great insights throughout the episode.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN)
Quality Insights Renal Network 5
Veterans Transplantation Association
You can connect with Jennifer at:
Her Website: https://www.genresilient.com/
Instagram & Twitter @genresilient
For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org
Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez