The Journey Continues

A diagnosis of kidney failure can be frightening to anyone. To a busy nurse and mom like Christine Hernandez, it can turn your whole world upside down. Christine and her son and caretaker Julian share how their family is venturing into the unknown, together.  

Hot Topics in Kidney Health is a podcast from the National Kidney Foundation that highlights the latest in kidney research, dispels myths, and brings you up-to-date news in kidney care. This episode is all about plant-based diets and the benefits for kidney patients.  If you like this episode, subscribe to Hot Topics in Kidney Health wherever you like to listen to podcasts.

Dawn Williamson is the first smiling face folks see when they step into  Gift of Hope's offices. With her calming presence and bright smile, visitors might never guess that she too is waiting for a life-saving transplant. She chats with Monica about staying positive while she waits. 

Angelique’s world was turned upside down when doctors told her she had only days to live unless she received a liver transplant. She and her twin sister Angenette knew her story was not going to end in that hospital bed 28 years ago.

August is Minority Organ Donation Awareness Month. For our inaugural episode, we are highlighting the story of organ donor hero Mario Cousins, as told by his mother Emma O’Neal and his grateful heart recipient Pam Morris Walton.  

Kevin Lee is the Chief Organ Operations Office for Mid-America Transplant - the organ procurement organization for Southern Illinois and Missouri. He dispels common myths about organ donation and shares an exciting update about The Family House. 

To learn more about Mid-America Transplant, visit midamericatransplant.org.

When Jeanette Perez heard fellow flight attendant Tonuah Trujillo needed a kidney, she didn’t hesitate to get tested. Now, closer than sisters, Jeannette is running the Chicago Marathon to raise awareness about the need for more living donors.     

Learn more about running with Team Kidney at nkfi.org/team-kidney and living donation at nkfi.org/be-a-donor 

Rabbi Andy Bossov learned his kidneys were failing as a result of taking medication for his ulcerative colitis. His friend Karen, a minister, offered to donate one of hers. Now Andy’s using his time to advocate for others with kidney disease and by chairing this year’s Walk for Kidneys.

Through her work at Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Marion Shuck helped countless families make the powerful decision to donate their loved ones’ tissue and organs. When her husband of 33 years, Reggie, suddenly passed away, she found herself making that same powerful decision.  

Brian Stiner has always been athletic.  When he was told he’d need a kidney transplant, he turned to sports by way of the Transplant Games to help him stay active, healthy, and positive.