The Journey Continues

For Terry Litchfield, kidney care isn’t just a job – it’s a passion and a hobby! In her 30+ year career – and beyond in retirement - in renal care, she’s helped millions of patients receive better access to care, including her husband Bill who spent 46 years on dialysis.

Emergency room physician Dr. Derek J. Robinson shares the whole-health approach Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois is taking to improve lives across the state – including at the Illinois State Fair.

This episode is generously sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Kidney failure disrupted Cristie Field's busy work and family life. She started a blog to update her loved ones on her condition and found new ways to connect and ground herself when life veers from the plan.

Follow Cristie’s blog on Facebook @ChronicallyCristie and check out her hand-strung jewelry on Instagram @lucyandlolagems

When LaVerne Bartee happened to learn after 30 years of marriage that she and her husband Kevin had the same blood type, she leapt at the chance to give him the life-saving kidney their family was waiting for.

When Kasey Bergh sent a text message to a wrong number, she had no idea it would lead to her one in a billion chance at love and a kidney transplant.

Follow Kasey’s journey at her website kaseybergh.com or on social media at @kaseybergh

Hop in the passenger seat of the KidneyMobile® as Regina White, CNA, CPT takes us on an auditory tour of these life-saving preventative screenings. Learn more about the KidneyMobile® and find a screening near you at kidneymobile.org

Dr. Aleksandra Gmurczyk cares for dozens of patients who are waiting for a kidney as a busy nephrologist. Her care for her patients extended far above and beyond the Hippocratic Oath of “do no harm” when she chose to become a living example by donating her own kidney. And saving two lives in the process!

Gospel artist and worship leader Kevin Vasser’s faith has carried him through so many life experiences. When he learned he needed a kidney transplant, he relied on his faith yet again to help him thrive, not just survive.

Follow Kevin and his musical career at kevinvasser.com, on Twitter and Instagram @kevinvasser, and on Facebook @kevinvasser15

When meteorologist Ed Curran learned his kidneys were failing and he’d need a transplant, he kept his health issues private from his CBS audience.  Thanks to another CBS broadcast 4 hours away, his sister Patti Orthwein decided to step up as his living donor.

Follow Ed on social media:

Twitter: @edcurran

Facebook: facebook.com/edcurran

Instagram: instagram.com/edcurran

Follow Patti on Facebook: facebook.com/PattiOrthwein

For those on the transplant waiting list, finding the right transplant center can sometimes be difficult. For veterans, there are even fewer options. Dr. Manpreet Samra and the rest of the transplant team at the Hines VA hospital opened the Kidney Transplant Center just a few short years ago to help provide further access for those who have served

Follow the Hines VA Kidney Transplant Center on Twitter at @VATransplantCHI