Debra Elmore: The sooner that they join when they find out that they have decreased kidney function, the better. Most of the people that come to our support group tend to be either they just found out that they have some sort of kidney problem, and they want to learn about dialysis and transplant.

Christopher Springmann: That’s Debra Elmore, Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area Association of Kidney Patients, a support group reaching over 1100 patients, family members and nephrologists. Debra is joined by Phillip Wyche, President of the BAAKP.

CS: You both have had exhaustive journeys with CKD, chronic kidney disease, and you both have had kidney transplants. You could have left the past behind, but you're looking forward with the Bay Area Association of Kidney Patients or BAAKP. What work do you need to do?

Phil Wyche: Well, there's our organization, we try to promote self-awareness, self-preservation, and continue the fight. When I first found out I was having kidney issues and kidney failure, I joined this organization to get educated, and the more I got educated and it helped me to receive my kidney, after an eight-year struggle. I remained on the board and to help educate those that come to our support group.