Kent Bressler talks with Finn Israel, a young man living with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Finn shares how a surprising diagnosis led to kidney failure and the urgent need for a transplant.

Through it all, Finn highlights the strength he finds in family, friends, and community support. He and Kent also talk about the challenges of kidney disease, the strict process for finding donors, and the hope that comes from living donors. Finn stays positive by enjoying activities like hiking and cooking while waiting for a match.

Tap here to stay up to date with Finn.

If you feel inspired to become Finn's donor, go to Stanford Health — Living Donor Program and complete a short questionnaire. Are YOU the one?

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join our supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org.

Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bressler talks with Josie Maier, co-director of Project Donor—a nonprofit offering free support to living organ donor candidates. Kent reflects on his journey as a living donor kidney transplant recipient and his recent triumph over cancer. Josie sheds light on key challenges in organ donation, especially how BMI restrictions can prevent otherwise willing individuals from donating.

Project Donor works to shift the conversation by helping potential donors overcome reversible barriers through free weight loss programs, smoking cessation resources, and therapy. Together, Kent and Josie highlight the urgent need for more living kidney donors and the importance of awareness.

Listen in and discover how you can make a difference in this life-saving mission.

For more information about Project Donor, visit projectdonor.org and to connect with Kidney Solutions, go to kidneysolutions.org.

Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bressler welcomes Glenna Frey, MSN, APRN-CNS. She has dedicated over 40 years to nephrology nursing, specializing in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. In 2017, she donated a kidney to a stranger at the Cleveland Clinic. The following year, she co-founded Kidney Donor Conversations (KDC), a nonprofit providing education and support for living kidney donation with her daughter, Amanda. Glenna serves as executive director of KDC and frequently presents programs on living kidney donation. She is a member of the American Nephrology Nurses Association and the National Kidney Donation Organization. She volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation and other kidney-focused groups. Her connection to kidney disease and transplantation is deeply personal. Many of her relatives, including her husband Bob, have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Bob has undergone dialysis and is now living with his second kidney transplant from a living donor. Her children, Amanda and Sawyer, also have PKD but currently maintain normal kidney function.

Glenna is a published author and contributor to several works on kidney donation and nephrology nursing, including In Pursuit of a Better Life: The Ultimate Guide for Finding Living Kidney Donors, Thriving Post Kidney Transplant, and the Nephrology Nursing Journal. Additionally, she served as a reviewer for the 4th edition of Contemporary Nephrology Nursing. She is the author of the book Understanding Living Kidney Donation: The Best Treatment for Kidney Disease, now available on Amazon.

Glenna also specializes in holistic therapies, holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is a Hula Hoop instructor. She resides in Northwest Ohio with her husband and enjoys time with her cat, chocolate lab, as well as crocheting, and native plant gardening. Glenna's pride and joy are her children, Amanda and Sawyer, and her granddaughter, Zora.

For inquiries, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennafreyrnkidneydonor/ or visit https://www.facebook.com/LivingKidneyDonationBook

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join our supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bressler speaks with Rachel Claudine and Dr. Sandy Gilbert from the National Kidney Foundation. They explore the groundbreaking KidneyCARE Study, a pioneering patient-centered research initiative designed to gather vital data directly from individuals living with various stages of kidney disease. Rachel shares her personal journey with Lupus Nephritis, emphasizing the significance of patient stories in advancing kidney health research. Dr. Gilbert highlights the study's aim to capture real-world patient experiences, offering insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy. Discover how this innovative registry is set to transform kidney care and empower patients, while also discovering how you can contribute to this vital research.

For more information on the KidneyCARE Study and to participate, visit kidneycarestudy.org.

About Our Guests:

Sandy Gilbert, PhD is the Senior Director of Patient Outcomes Research at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), where she manages the KidneyCARE (Community Access to Research Equity)™ Study. Since joining NKF in 2024, she has focused on developing and overseeing this pioneering national kidney disease patient registry – the first to integrate patient-reported data with clinical data from electronic health records (EHRs).

Rachel Claudin, BS, CCLS is the Patient-Centered Research Director at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Her main work for the past three years has been focused on the advancement of the KidneyCARE Study. As a person living with Lupus Nephritis, she is excited for the patient- entered data collected by the Study to increase and improve kidney care research. Previous to the NKF, Rachel worked in hospital and hospice settings advocating for patients utilizing the shared decision-making model of healthcare.

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join our supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Cody Kubiak's story is one of extraordinary resilience, faith, and hope. In this episode, we dive into his powerful journey—from childhood surgeries to receiving a kidney transplant and battling cancer. Through every trial, Cody has shown what it means to persevere and live with purpose. Hear firsthand how he turned hardship into hope, and discover why raising awareness for kidney donation is more important than ever.

Dive deeper into Cody's story at kidneysquitwedont.com

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join our supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bresler shares his personal journey through kidney disease, including his experiences with a kidney transplant, dialysis, and the challenges he faced with a recent health scare. With a focus on resilience and the importance of regular medical check-ups, Kent offers insights into navigating life after a transplant and the significance of community support. Join us for an inspiring discussion that emphasizes the power of faith, advocacy, and the human spirit in overcoming life's hurdles.

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join their supportive community, visit https://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!

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 Solutions and to join their supportive community, visit https://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!

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 Dong at https://ljthemedium.com/

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join their supportive community, visit https://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!

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 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!

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!