Episode 114: Weston L. Collins Published Author & Kidney Warrior
Release Date: 05/09/2023
Episode 140: Rising Above - Dan Holmes' Journey from Navy Hero to Kidney Advocate
Kent's Kidney Stories
Join Kent Bressler in this deeply insightful episode of Kent's Kidney Stories as he welcomes Dan Holmes, a former U.S. Navy combat search and rescue operator, to discuss his remarkable journey through kidney disease. Listen in as Dan shares his experiences from the harrowing shipboard fire that led to his PTSD and subsequent diagnosis with membranous nephropathy, a rare and incurable kidney disease. Despite these challenges, Dan has become a passionate advocate for kidney disease awareness. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of resilience, advocacy, and hope! For more information on Kidney...
info_outline
Episode 139: Rewriting Medical History - The First Nutcracker Syndrome Kidney Donation
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this episode, Kent Bresler sits down with LJ Dong, a remarkable individual who shares her unique journey of overcoming Nutcracker Syndrome and becoming a kidney donor. LJ talks about surviving multiple surgeries on her spine and abdomen and how a diagnosis of Nutcracker Syndrome has changed her life. Nutcracker Syndrome is a compression of the renal vein causing, pain and potential damage to the kidney. Corrective surgery was unsuccessful. This inspiring conversation sheds light on the complexities of kidney health and the power of resilience and generosity. Stay up to date with LJ...
info_outline
Beating the Odds: Jamie's Double Heart Miracle
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this heartfelt episode, Kent Bresler sits down with Jamie Stroup, a remarkable woman who has undergone not one, but two heart transplants, and a double lung transplant. Jamie shares her incredible journey from her first transplant at the age of 16 to her recent second heart transplant in October 2023. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the support from her family and friends, and the importance of maintaining her health and sanity through it all. Tune in to be inspired by Jamie's resilience and strength. For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join their...
info_outline
Episode 137: The New Era Act: A Game Changer for Kidney Patients
Kent's Kidney Stories
Join Kent Bressler as he delves into the New Era Act, a groundbreaking Bill aimed at improving the lives of those with rare kidney diseases. Learn about Kent's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, the importance of early intervention, and how you can contribute to this vital cause. Don't miss this informative and inspiring episode! For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join their supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org. Host: Kent Bresler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and don’t miss the next amazing episodes of Kent’s Kidney Stories!
info_outline
Episode 136: Sonia and Ali - A London Kidney Miracle
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this heartfelt episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler reconnects with Ali Dawson and Sonia, two inspiring individuals from London. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, kindness, and the life-changing impact of kidney donation. We hear about the incredible journey of Sonia, who suffers from polycystic kidney disease, and her miraculous connection with Ali, a former student who selflessly stepped forward to donate his kidney. Sonia shares the emotional rollercoaster of her diagnosis, the challenges of dialysis, and the overwhelming gratitude she feels for Ali's...
info_outline
Episode 135: Transplants to Advocacy: Julie's Inspiring Kidney Journey
Kent's Kidney Stories
In our latest episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, we bring you the incredible journey of Julie Lynn Nast. From her early struggles with kidney disease and a challenging pregnancy on dialysis to her transplant experience and ongoing advocacy work, Julie's story is one of resilience and hope. Julie shares her battles with peripheral artery disease, the complications she faced post-transplant, and her relentless efforts to find a living donor. Her dedication to advocating for kidney health and educating others is truly inspiring. Don't miss this heartfelt episode where we delve into the importance...
info_outline
Episode 134: Steven Gambrel - Twenty-Nine Years Strong: A Heart and Double Lung Transplant Journey
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this special episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler steps outside the usual realm of kidney disease to bring you an inspiring conversation with Steven Gambrel, a heart and double lung transplant recipient. Steven shares his remarkable journey, starting from his congenital heart defect diagnosed at birth, through the trials of atrial fibrillation in his teenage years, to the life-saving transplant he received over 29 years ago. Steven candidly discusses the challenges he faced growing up with his condition, the transformative moment of receiving his transplant, and the...
info_outline
Episode 133: Elaine Perlman - Tackling the Kidney Shortage with the End Kidney Deaths Act
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this compelling episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler welcomes Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and mentor for the National Kidney Donation Organization. Elaine shares her remarkable journey from educator to kidney donation advocate, spurred by her and her son's altruistic kidney donations. Together, they delve into the urgent need for the End Kidney Deaths Act, a groundbreaking ten-year pilot proposal aimed at incentivizing kidney donations through a $50,000 refundable tax credit for non-directed donors. Elaine passionately discusses the tragic reality of...
info_outline
Episode 132: Dr. Matthew Cooper - Beyond the Biopsy: Pioneering Kidney Health Monitoring
Kent's Kidney Stories
Kent's Kidney Stories presents a powerful episode featuring Dr. Matthew Cooper, who sheds light on the latest advancements in kidney transplant monitoring. Discover the remarkable potential of cell-free DNA testing to predict and prevent organ rejection, reducing the need for biopsies and enhancing the longevity of transplanted kidneys. Kent's personal insights and Dr. Cooper's expertise combine to offer an informative and inspiring session for patients and medical professionals alike. For more information on Natera, visit Host: Kent Bresler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep...
info_outline
Episode 131: Zachary Sutton - A Journey from Altruistic Donation to Transplant Advocacy
Kent's Kidney Stories
In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bressler is joined by Zachary Sutton, a man of profound impact in the kidney community. With his doctorate in Health Administration and experience as a Physician's Assistant, Zachary's journey is one of both professional insight and personal sacrifice, having been an altruistic kidney donor himself. Kent and Zachary delve into the transformative work happening at the Medical University of South Carolina and the blossoming South Carolina Transplant Foundation. They discuss the power of community support, the...
info_outlineKent speaks with Kidney Warrior and Published Fictor Author Weston L. Collins. He shares his story of being diagnosed with Kidney disease, dialysis, fighting a snowstorm to receive his kidney transplant, and takes us into his thoughts on writing and more!
Weston L. Collins has been a published fiction author for over 10 years. In his time, he has written over 13 books and has been published four times. As well as being a kidney transplant recipient, Weston is also a qualified mediator who teaches preparation for mediation as well as conducting mediations for The Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center and privately. He attended Texas A&M Kingsville University on a football scholarship and then Houston Baptist University to pursue more educational avenues. Growing up in a Lutheran private school, as well as growing up in the culturally diverse area of Houston Texas, he has a background where he has encountered all walks of life. He uses that experience so that he can write many of the characters that he creates to give life to his novels. Weston L. Collins cares about the readers through his actions and to make sure that people are represented in his books accurately.
Weston is married to his wife Mrs. Jaclyn Collins and lives in the great state of Texas. He is a part of the Kidney Solutions family since his transplant back in February of 2022, and looks to also bring a voice to kidney patients through his art, efforts in the community, and the world at large.
Click here to see the list of Weston's books and purchase if you are interested.
If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at [email protected]
For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org
Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez