The Journey Continues

John Czechowicz is a self-described professional dialysis patient. He and his wife Sara are an unstoppable team, loving and supporting one another through 27 years of marriage, parenting their son, and finding the right dialysis treatment to fit their lifestyle.

This episode is sponsored by Fresenius Kidney Care. Learn more at https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/

Getting listed for a transplant isn't as simple as making a phone call to add your name. The process and be long and confusing. Transplant Manager Amanda Michaud helps her patients navigate the journey, every step of the way. 

This episode is sponsored by NANI - Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com

When someone loses their Medicaid coverage, they must apply for “redetermination.” Nancy Wohlhart from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois explains how to regain coverage to ensure everyone receives the quality medical care they deserve.

Learn more about Medicaid access at Medicaid.gov

This episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Learn more at bcbsil.com

Jennifer Cramer-Miller is a self-described incurable optimist. Her sense of humor, family, friends, and generous spirit keep her positive and grateful through her journey with FSGS and four kidney transplants. 

Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and minority communities are especially affected. This special live episode features Dr. Ngozi Ezike from Mt. Sinai Hospital and Tonita Cheatham from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois in a frank discussion about diabetes and prevention.

Everyone has the APOL1 gene but people with sub-Saharan African heritage may have variants of the gene that can cause kidney disease. Nephrologist Dr. Suneel Udani explains how new research is changing how certain kidney diseases are diagnosed and treated.

This episode is sponsored by NANI – Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana. Learn more at nephdocs.com

If you’re eligible for Medicare, open enrollment begins October 15. Jamie Mollin from Blue Cross Blue Shield has advice on how to prepare so you choose the right plan to fit your needs.  

This episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, visit bcbsil.com.

For assistance choosing a Medicare plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, shop online at bcbsil.com/medicare or call 1-877-213-1821.

Blue Door Neighborhood Centers provide access to resources which can include healthcare navigation as well as health and wellness education. For more information on the Blue Door Neighborhood Centers – currently serving the Pullman, Morgan Park, and South Lawndale neighborhoods in Chicago – visit bcbsil.com/bdnc

The Care Van Program offers resources for communities across Illinois. The program provides a variety of resources including immunizations, colorectal cancer screening, and health literacy. Community members can find the Care Van at https://www.bcbsil.com/company-info/community-involvement/carevan-program

Nurse Practitioner Anitha Philip, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C is used to listening to her patients’ concerns. When some of her kidney patients shared that they struggle to find and afford fresh, healthy foods needed for their recommended diets, she took action to help.

If you are struggling with food insecurity, visit Cook County Health – We Bring Health Care to Your Community, click on patients & visitors, then click on healthy living to find information about food insecurity and fresh trucks.

Cook County Health centers can be found here: Healthy Living – Cook County Health. 

Dr. Manish Tanna and his colleagues are treating their patients using “value-based care”, a healthcare model that puts patients’ whole health first.

This episode is generously sponsored by Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana (NANI). Learn more at nephdocs.com. Follow NANI on social media at @NANINephrology on Facebook and @nephdocs on Twitter.

Parents Brian Galvez & Lisa Gomez understand the importance of having a strong support team in your corner. Their son Julian is thriving and growing into a strong young man post-transplant, thanks in part to his medical team and active lifestyle.

The Galvez family would like to encourage listeners to consider organ donation. “We will forever be grateful for the donor and their family. They will always be a part of Julian’s journey.”