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Greg Matthews is a husband, father of two daughters, and grandfather. His lung transplant medication has brought him to the place where he is badly in need of a kidney. With over 97,000 individuals on the kidney transplant list, fewer than 25,000 will receive a transplant. We could use your help in locating donors. Kidney donation is actually a very simple procedure. Your thoughts are appreciated. Click here for information on what it takes to be a donor: If you would like to learn more about becoming a donor for Greg, please contact Kidney Solutions at 830-285-2140. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent speaks with Dr. Lincy Jojan, a Lead Nurse practitioner in the Department of Medicine at Northwell Health Hospital in New York. Kidney Solutions patients were a great part of her doctoral thesis, and she talks about her Doctoral Study on Shared Decision Making in those with CKD. Her passion for working within the Kidney world is extraordinary. Listen as she shares her Doctoral work. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Armand Halter underwent a deceased donor kidney transplant 27 years ago. His kidney journey became a little rocky when he began experiencing signs of kidney rejection with a rise in creatine in May of 2022. He talks about the use of a test for rejection called Prospera a product of a company called Natera. Listen to how Armand talks about his experience. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent speaks with Lindsay Ducharme, a registered dietitian, board-certified renal nutrition specialist, and Vital Kidney Nutrition's owner. Vital Kidney Nutrition provides nutrition counseling to those with stage 1-5 kidney disease. She has been a dietitian since 2009 and has worked exclusively with those with kidney disease since 2014. She started her own private practice in 2021 after realizing the vast majority of people on dialysis have never worked with a dietitian to help slow the progression of their kidney disease. Lindsay loves food and believes food can and should be enjoyed even with kidney disease. In her spare time, she enjoys being active and spending time with her family and two young sons.  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent speaks with Michael Curtis, Ph.D., President & CEO of eGenesis. Dr. Curtis has more than 30 years of experience in scientific research and leadership in biopharmaceutical drug development across multiple therapeutic areas. Before joining eGenesis he served as Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of R&D at Cadent Therapeutics. Moreover, Dr. Curtis was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Atlas Venture where he played a role in the creation of several companies including Delinia and Q32 Bio. Dr. Curtis has led the development of multiple products from discovery through first-in-human, Phase 2 and 3 studies. He was involved in the early development of Orencia and Nulojix. Dr. Curtis earned a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent speaks with Rachelle McCray about her journey with Alport Syndrome and her experience with Renasight, a Natera product that determines if there is a genetic cause for an individual’s kidney disease or if there is an increased hereditary risk due to family history. Rachelle McCray—Rachelle is a television host, entrepreneur, and patient advocate for chronic kidney disease. Rachelle is the founder and creator of a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that gifts comfort teddy bear kits to children and families affected by kidney disease, the MinMinBear Foundation. She brings a personal perspective to her advocacy, as she and multiple generations of her family have lived with CKD. Rachelle credits Natera’s Renasight genetic test for giving her the knowledge to make more informed decisions about her care. Her goal is for other CKD patients to have that same confidence and participation in their healthcare. Rachelle is also a paid consultant for Natera. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Karen Edwards is a widow with two adult children and a precious 11-year-old granddaughter. Without a living kidney donor, the wait for a kidney can be many years and could also mean many years on dialysis. I need the help of others to find a living donor. Are YOU the one?  If you would like to learn more about becoming a donor for Karen, please contact Kidney Solutions at 830-285-2140. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent begins a series of Podcasts with Natera, a cell-free DNA testing company well known in the medical/kidney community. Today, we interview Monica Johnson and Mala Nichani from Natera. Our discussion will be on two specific areas of testing that they provide. One is for DNA testing (Renasight) and the second (Prospera) a non-invasive test for rejection of transplanted solid organs, in this case, the kidney. f you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

In celebration of 100 episodes, Kent and his buddies Armand Halter, Uncle Jim Myers, and Jonathan Traylor talk all about kidneys!  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Johnson Chen has an inherited disease called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which causes cysts to grow on his kidneys. He has a website called savejohnslife.com. Johnson is in need of a Living Kidney Donor. Can you help? Are YOU the one?  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent talks with Brian K. Runge, RN, BSN, CCTC. Brian is the Chief Living Donor Transplant Coordinator for New-York Presbyterian Columbia Irving Medical Center. Brian was born in Chicago and at the age of 6 moved with his family onto a sailboat and circumnavigated the globe from the age of 6 to 13. During that time, Brian was homeschooled. Once back in the United States he went through high school and college. He received his BSN at the University of Florida. Brian started his nursing career as a Level 1 Trauma ICU Nurse at Shands Hospital and just so happened to take care of fresh post-op liver, kidney and pancreas transplant patients among many other types of patients. Little did he know his career path was leading him to transplant. Brian moved to New York in late 2006 as a travel nurse and took some assignments at NYP Cornell and Columbia ICU’s.  He has been working in Transplant with NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia Irving Medical Center for the last 13 and a half years.  Brian started as a Recipient Transplant Coordinator until he was promoted to the chief position of the donor team in late 2018. He has been doing that ever since.  For questions regarding this episode, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org Learn more about Kidney Solutions and our weekly Support Group, at kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent talks with Martha Gershun & John D. Lantos, MD, authors of  Kidney to Share.  Martha Gershun is a nonprofit consultant, writer, and community volunteer. She donated a kidney in 2018 to a woman she read about in the newspaper. Gershun has been named Special Advisor to the Kidney Transplant Collaborative and serves on the advisory board for the National Kidney Foundation serving Kansas, Oklahoma, and Western Missouri. John D. Lantos, MD is a pediatrician and international leader in bioethics. The focus of his work is on protecting the lives, health, and rights of children. He is particularly interested in children with complex chronic conditions and in the ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of innovative therapies. He has written or edited five books and hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific and philosophical papers. Click here to learn more about and purchase Kidney to Share. For questions regarding this episode, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org Learn more about Kidney Solutions and our weekly Support Group, at kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation about all things Kidney, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Marana was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was 9 years old. 15 years ago, it took her sight, and now she is living with only 13% kidney function and now need a kidney transplant. She is an athlete trained in Brazilian JiuJitsu and active as a personal trainer and nutrition coach for those who are pursuing healthier lifestyles. She loves staying active and volunteering with injured and disabled veterans. However, low energy levels along with fatigue from kidney disease have severely compromised her ability to do so. Are YOU the one? If you would like to learn more about becoming a donor for Marana, please contact Kidney Solutions at 830-285-2140. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent talks with his friend Paul Conway, the Chair of Policy and Global Affairs and the past President of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). Paul has managed kidney disease for 40 years including nearly 3 years on home dialysis and is the recipient of a deceased kidney donor of over 23 years. Click here for more information on AAKP. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit us at www.kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Martin Hughes is the father of two adult children and an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He has spent the last 20 years working with formerly homeless families and individuals as a site director.  He would like to establish his own nonprofit agency to continue to help the homeless population in New York City. Martin is in need of a Living Kidney Donor. Can you help? Are YOU the one? Martin is registered on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List at  Northwell Health in Manhasset, NY. If you would like to learn more about becoming a donor for Martin, please contact Kidney Solutions at 830-285-2140. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Today’s interview is with Rinki and Michael Etheridge are an extraordinary team. Michael needs a kidney donor as his current transplanted kidney is in danger of failure. Rinki has taken on the daunting task of finding that donor. Rinki talks about how difficult it is to be a caregiver. She gives valuable insight into what it is like to watch the love of her life struggle. Listen in as this tough young caregiver tells her story. Michael is registered on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List at  UCSF Health in San Francisco, CA. For more information, call 415-353-1551. If you would like to give the gift of life to Michael, get started today, click here to visit UCSF's Living Kidney Donor webpage and complete an online health history questionnaire. To ensure your questionnaire is connected with Michael, please enter his full name and date of birth: Michael Etheridge, February 13, 1985. If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Nancy’s kidney donor was her son Scott. She has known tragedy in the loss of one of her sons and has battled Multiple Sclerosis and Kidney Failure coming out on top. Her undying faith is gently expressed in her book called Stronger Than I Thought. Listen in and enjoy a wonderful conversation with author Nancy Ormon. Learn more about Nancy and purchase Stronger Than I Thought, at nancyormon.com  For questions regarding this episode, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org Learn more about Kidney Solutions and our weekly Support Group, at kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation about all things Kidney, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent gets the opportunity to podcast with Quinton Johnson. Quinton has been diabetic since 6 years of age and received a pancreas/kidney transplant s a few years back. The pancreas has now failed and unfortunately, his diabetes is back and now his kidney is failing. He is actively looking for a living donor. Being 30+ years with Type 1 Diabetes and Kidney Disease is difficult. His attitude is fantastic and he is taking care of himself. If he gets a living donor he will NOT have to go on dialysis. Can you help? Are YOU the one? Quinton is registered on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List at the University Transplant Institute in San Antonio, TX. For more information, call at 210-567-5777 or toll-free at 1-888-336-9633. If you would like to give the gift of life to Quinton, get started today by filling out a health history questionnaire on a desktop or laptop computer.  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app! Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Shane Blanchard was born at the University of Iowa in 1974. He was diagnosed with Eagle-Barrett Syndrome, commonly known as Prune Belly Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder. He has undergone 50 operations including three kidney transplants. His first at the age of 21 lasted 24 years. His second from his brother lasted only a month. He just received his third transplant via a paired exchange program. He never gave up.  If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org  Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app!  Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez

Kent met Rahwa Daniel on Clubhouse just a couple of months ago. She is a daughter of African immigrants and her kidney journey story is one of great interest. She explains her shock at getting sick at a very young age and finding out that she had FSGS. She had a very rocky course with dialysis and has had multiple transplants. She is actively looking for a living kidney donor so she can get on with her life. Rahwa’s story exemplifies what many CKD patients experience and makes us realize the importance of early detection in managing CKD. Are YOU the one? Rahwa is registered on the Kidney Transplant Waiting List at John Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD.  Kidney Donor Program: 410-614-6904. You can also contact E. Miguel Briones Cabrera (Rahwa's coordinator) at Ebrione2@jhmi.edu If you have questions regarding items discussed during this episode or would like more information about Kidney Solutions weekly Support Group, contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org For more information about Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org  Join in the conversation, on the Clubhouse app!  Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez