Kent's Kidney Stories
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Kent's Kidney Stories is hosted by Kent Bressler, a Registered Nurse, AAKP Board of Director, Ambassador, Kidney Transplant Recipient, and Vice President of Kidney Solutions. He will share his journey, some insight he has learned, and interview fellow Kidney Warriors and leaders in the Kidney Community.
Episodes
- Episode 151: Matt Cavanaugh - A Soldier's Journey from Kidney Donation to Political Advocate
Matt Cavanaugh, a retired Army officer and West Point graduate, shares his experience donating a kidney while on active duty, which initiated a chain of donations benefiting seven lives. He discusses how his military service influenced his…
- Episode 150: Exploring Abundance - Donald Griswold's Vision for Kidney Donation Awareness
Kent Bressler talks with filmmaker Donald Griswold about his documentary "Abundant." The film focuses on non-directed kidney donors and themes of giving, scarcity, and abundance. Griswold shares information on where to watch and support th…
- Episode 149: Danny English - A Musician's Call for a Kidney Donor
Musician Danny English shares his experience with kidney disease and the necessity of a living donor on Kent's Kidney Stories. He details how dialysis impacts his life and encourages listeners to learn more about becoming a donor.
- Episode 148: Karthik Shivaprasad - Harnessing AI for Kidney Disease Awareness
Karthik Shivaprasad joins Kent Bressler to discuss the role of artificial intelligence in kidney disease awareness and education. Shivaprasad shares his personal motivation, stemming from his parents' experiences with kidney disease, and d…
- Episode 147: Are YOU The One? Charles Cranford's Journey to Find a Kidney Donor
Charles Cranford details his search for a living kidney donor on Kent's Kidney Stories, recounting his previous transplant with his wife, Amy, and the challenges he faces. He highlights the importance of community, faith, and proactively s…
- Episode 146: Finn Israel's Journey - A Call for Hope and Kidney Donation
Kent Bressler talks with Finn Israel, a young man living with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Finn shares how a surprising diagnosis led to kidney failure and the urgent need for a transplant. Through it all, Finn highlights the streng…
- Episode 145: From Rejection to Donation - Overcoming Obstacles with Project Donor
Kent Bressler talks with Josie Maier, co-director of Project Donor—a nonprofit offering free support to living organ donor candidates. Kent reflects on his journey as a living donor kidney transplant recipient and his recent triumph over c…
- Episode 144: Glenna Frey - The Case for Living Kidney Donation
Kent Bressler welcomes Glenna Frey, MSN, APRN-CNS. She has dedicated over 40 years to nephrology nursing, specializing in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. In 2017, she donated a kidney to a stranger at the Cle…
- Episode 143: The Heart of Kidney Research - Why Your Story Matters
Kent Bressler speaks with Rachel Claudine and Dr. Sandy Gilbert from the National Kidney Foundation . They explore the groundbreaking KidneyCARE Study, a pioneering patient-centered research initiative designed to gather vital data directl…
- Episode 142: Resilience and Hope - Cody's Inspiring Kidney Story
Cody Kubiak's story is one of extraordinary resilience, faith, and hope. In this episode, we dive into his powerful journey—from childhood surgeries to receiving a kidney transplant and battling cancer. Through every trial, Cody has shown…
- Episode 141: The Power of Faith in Kidney Health
Kent Bresler shares his personal journey through kidney disease, including his experiences with a kidney transplant, dialysis, and the challenges he faced with a recent health scare. With a focus on resilience and the importance of regular…
- Episode 140: Rising Above - Dan Holmes' Journey from Navy Hero to Kidney Advocate
Join Kent Bressler in this deeply insightful episode of Kent's Kidney Stories as he welcomes Dan Holmes, a former U.S. Navy combat search and rescue operator, to discuss his remarkable journey through kidney disease. Listen in as Dan share…
- Episode 139: Rewriting Medical History - The First Nutcracker Syndrome Kidney Donation
In this episode, Kent Bresler sits down with LJ Dong, a remarkable individual who shares her unique journey of overcoming Nutcracker Syndrome and becoming a kidney donor. LJ talks about surviving multiple surgeries on her spine and abdomen…
- Beating the Odds: Jamie's Double Heart Miracle
In this heartfelt episode, Kent Bresler sits down with Jamie Stroup, a remarkable woman who has undergone not one, but two heart transplants, and a double lung transplant. Jamie shares her incredible journey from her first transplant at th…
- Episode 137: The New Era Act: A Game Changer for Kidney Patients
Join Kent Bressler as he delves into the New Era Act, a groundbreaking Bill aimed at improving the lives of those with rare kidney diseases. Learn about Kent's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, the importance of early intervention, and how…
- Episode 136: Sonia and Ali - A London Kidney Miracle
In this heartfelt episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler reconnects with Ali Dawson and Sonia, two inspiring individuals from London. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, kindness, and the life-changing impac…
- Episode 135: Transplants to Advocacy: Julie's Inspiring Kidney Journey
In our latest episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, we bring you the incredible journey of Julie Lynn Nast. From her early struggles with kidney disease and a challenging pregnancy on dialysis to her transplant experience and ongoing advocacy…
- Episode 134: Steven Gambrel - Twenty-Nine Years Strong: A Heart and Double Lung Transplant Journey
In this special episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler steps outside the usual realm of kidney disease to bring you an inspiring conversation with Steven Gambrel, a heart and double lung transplant recipient. Steven shares his…
- Episode 133: Elaine Perlman - Tackling the Kidney Shortage with the End Kidney Deaths Act
In this compelling episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler welcomes Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and mentor for the National Kidney Donation Organization. Elaine shares her remarkable journey from educato…
- Episode 132: Dr. Matthew Cooper - Beyond the Biopsy: Pioneering Kidney Health Monitoring
Kent's Kidney Stories presents a powerful episode featuring Dr. Matthew Cooper, who sheds light on the latest advancements in kidney transplant monitoring. Discover the remarkable potential of cell-free DNA testing to predict and prevent o…
- Episode 131: Zachary Sutton - A Journey from Altruistic Donation to Transplant Advocacy
In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bressler is joined by Zachary Sutton, a man of profound impact in the kidney community. With his doctorate in Health Administration and experience as a Physi…
- Episode 130: Uniting for Kidney Solutions - All About Our 2024 FunD Walk
In this inspiring episode of Kent's Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler invites Jonathan Traylor from Kerrville, Texas, to discuss the upcoming fun walk in April and the remarkable work being done at Kidney Solutions. Jonathan, the organizat…
- Episode 129: Diana Clynes - Charting the Course for Patient Empowerment
Kent delves into the vital world of kidney health advocacy with special guest Diana Clynes, the dedicated Executive Director of the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). With nearly two decades at AAKP, Diana brings a wealth of e…
- Episode 128: Joshua Tarnoff - Navigating the New Frontiers of Kidney Care
Josh Tarnoff joined NephCure as CEO in early 2018, fulfilling a long-held desire to serve the rare disease patient community more closely. He spent more than 30 years working in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology community, moving new th…
- Episode 127: Jennifer Cramer-Miller - Embracing Life with Chronic Hope
In this heartwarming episode, Kent Bresler sits down with Jennifer Cramer-Miller, author of "Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope." Jennifer shares her profound journey as a fellow FSGS patient who has navigated the tum…
- Episode 126: Aimee Makovic - From Heart to Kidney: A Transplant Trilogy
Kent Bresler is joined by Amy Makovic, a poet and professor whose life-altering journey through a triple organ transplant during the pandemic is nothing short of miraculous. Her candid conversation delves into the emotional rollercoaster o…
- Episode 125: A Tale of Transplants and Triumphs
In this deeply personal episode of 'Kent's Kidney Story,' Kent Bresler invites listeners to explore the intersection of kidney health and the aging process. From his own experiences with a transplant that has lasted over three decades to t…
- Episode 124: Jaime Imhof - Dual Donor Double Transplant Recipient
Kent talks to Jaime Imhof, a dual donor double transplant recipient. In June 2022 she was rushed to the hospital raging with multiple infections and organ failure. and was given a 10% chance of survival. Jamie needed a liver transplant fir…
- Episode 123: Lauren Drew - Living Kidney Donor & Advocate
Kent talks to Lauren Drew, who gave her kidney to a stranger and became a kidney advocate. Lauren works at the National Kidney Foundation and helps shape policies for kidney patients and donors. Listen to this episode to hear Lauren's insp…
- Episode 122: Ryan Pendergraft Radio DJ & Kidney Transplant Recipient
Lots of laughter and joy as Ryan shares his kidney journey story with Kent. Ryan is a local radio station celebrity in Kerrville, Texas at 103.7 MIKE FM. His story is beyond the routine as he had lost one kidney and then had cancer in his…
- Episode 121: Rachel A. Davis, MD - Lithium and Kidney Donation
Kent talks with Rachel A. Davis, MD associate professor of psychiatry and neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. Rachel is a non-directed liver donor, donating the right lobe of her liver in January of 2022…
- Episode 120: Erin Kahle, MPA, CNP - Deputy Director of the American Association for Kidney Patients
Kent and his good friend Erin Kahle talk about the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). A group focused on the welfare of all patients with Kidney Disease. He calls her exceptional and humble. Enjoy her love for kidney patients.…
- Episode 119: Ali Dawson - Living Donor, Advocate, and Donor Mentor
Kent speaks with Ali Dawson. Ali is from the UK and chose to give one of his kidneys to one of his colleagues, Sonia. His story is unique in that he now has become a huge advocate and plans to altruistically donate a part of his liver in t…
- Episode 118: Hannah Graves - Let's Talk Transplant Referral Exchange
Hannah Graves is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Attending school in the community, Hannah found her calling in psychology and pursued the direction of a well-placed guidance counselor to pursue social work. After graduating in 2009 with…
- Episode 117: Marc Coronel - Living With FSGS
Kent talks with Marc Coronel, another patient with Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Mark offers his unique insight into the importance of being focused on taking care of yourself. He talks of his life on dialysis and then Transpl…
- Episode 116: Kim Jacques - Heart & Double Lung Transplant Recipient
After having a semi-normal childhood throughout the 80's and early 90's, Kimberly Jacques underwent a risky, rarely performed heart-double lung transplant at the age of 16. More than a quarter of a century later, Kimberly talks about her t…
- Episode 115: Emmitt Henderson III Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
Kent talks with Emmitt Henderson III the CEO of Male Lupus Warriors. He talks of the difficulties dealing with Lupus and its multiple medical issues that occur. Originally transplanted only to lose the kidney to complications. He talks abo…
- Episode 114: Weston L. Collins Published Author & Kidney Warrior
Kent speaks with Kidney Warrior and Published Fictor Author Weston L. Collins. He shares his story of being diagnosed with Kidney disease, dialysis, fighting a snowstorm to receive his kidney transplant, and takes us into his thoughts on w…
- Episode 113: Lindsey Disla-Laurinat Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
Kent speaks with Lindsey Disla-Laurinat and her need for a kidney. Please consider helping give Lindsey a second chance at living the life God put her on this earth to do. A kidney transplant would give her a chance to enjoy her family and…
- Episode 112: Michael Williams Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
Michael Williams. is a husband and father to two teenage boys and is in need of a Kidney Donor. Are YOU the One? He works part-time as a CAD drafting analyst and is active in his church, serving in several positions. He also enjoys drawing…
- Episode 111: Dr. Allen Davidoff - Exploring New Therapies to Treat PKD
Dr. Allen Davidoff is the founder and CEO of XORTX Therapeutics, exploring new therapies to treat progressive kidney disease. Educated at The University of Calgary, Allen has 15 years of drug development experience with a focus on clinical…
- Episode 110: David Perchinsky Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
Kent talks with David Perchinsky and his need for a living kidney donor. Having to be on dialysis is not a burden but he desperately wants to be transplanted to get his life back. David wants to return to teaching and coaching. Listen as h…
- Episode 109: Ryan Bowman Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
Ryan Bowman talks to Kent about his difficulties in navigating the search for a living donor. At 49 years old he is on in-center dialysis. In addition, he is an only child and the primary caregiver for his legally blind mother who is 70 ye…
- Episode 108: Greg Matthews Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
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…
- Episode 107: Dr. Lincy Jojan - Shared Decision Making in Kidney Care
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…
- Episode 106: Armand Halter - A Journey with Prospera and Kidney Rejection
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…
- Episode 105: Lindsay Ducharme - Vital Kidney Nutrition
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…
- Episode 104: Michael Curtis, Ph.D. - President & CEO of eGenesis
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 joi…
- Episode 103: Rachelle McCray - On A Journey With Alport Syndrome
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 heredita…
- Episode 102: Karen Edwards Needs A Kidney Donor. Are YOU The One?
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…