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The Journey Continues is a podcast committed to promoting kidney health and organ donation through powerful stories. Host Monica Fox is a kidney transplant recipient and Director of Outreach and Government Relations for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. This series will feature the journeys of kidney patients, living donors, transplant recipients, donor families and industry experts who continue to educate the community through their own experiences and stories.
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Obesity is more than just a few extra pounds. When left unchecked, it can lead to serious health issues – including chronic kidney disease. Dr. Evgueni Minev, a nephrologist who studies the link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, explains new ways to manage obesity while caring for your kidneys. This episode is sponsored by Nephrology Asso…
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Ruby Rorty is the Executive Director of Project Donor – a non-profit group that helps potential organ donors achieve eligibility by helping them meet their weight loss goals or quit smoking. She shares about the development, success, and future of the program as it changes lives. Learn more about Project Donor at projectdonor.org…
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Casana Fink is best known as the current reigning Miss Tampa but she’s just as proud of her accomplishment as the author of a children’s book about organ donation. Her experience as the daughter of liver transplant recipient inspired her to bring comfort and understanding to families across the country. Follow Casana on Instagram @MissCasanaFink @C…
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Aaron Sims was used to a jet-setting lifestyle, traveling the world and enjoying life when Lupus caused his kidneys to fail. His illness grounded him until a transplant from his brother helped him return to doing all of the things he loves. Read more about Aaron on his blog or follow him on Instagram @aarondanielsims…
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Jon McCabe knew the moment that he laid eyes on Carol in college that she was his perfect match. When the pair learned in their early 70s that Carol needed a kidney transplant, he got the medical proof. The couple shares the importance of advocating for yourself and having the right team in your corner.…
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Registered Nurse Von Alcedo is passionate about caring for dialysis patients. He uses his almost 40 years of expertise to coach them through their options, boost their spirits, help them take charge of their health even during the low times, and live their best lives while undergoing treatment. Thank you to Fresenius Kidney Care for sponsoring this…
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When nurse and mom Linda Miller learned her PKD had advanced to kidney failure, her daughter's high school best friend Joel Shoemaker didn't hesitate to be her donor. The two have always shared a special bond and their friendship and love for one another is infectious! Visit Joel's website at itsjoelshoemaker.com or follow him on social media: Inst…
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Chef Chloe Gould’s journey is filled with learning, discovery and painful loss. Whether she’s showing love to her clients, her family, her mentors, or her students - food has been there, for the hurting and the healing. Follow Chef Chloe on social media at @DixiePura or visit her website at https://www.dixiepura.com/…
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Tony and Tracey Gonzalez’s love story started as a classic opposite attract romance. Now 25 years and a kidney transplant later, they’re falling in love in new, deeper ways.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
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Janet Hasson, LCSW is used to helping her clients navigate life’s challenges. When her young son was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, she found herself in need of support and created a community of fellow kidney parents. Now she advocates for funding, research and more for kidney patients across the nation.…
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In her role at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, as well as in her own personal health journey, Shelley Turk has learned the importance of the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Her commitment to whole person and whole community health is shifting the focus from treatment to prevention with increased education, access, and…
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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.fresenius…
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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…
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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.…
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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.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
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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.…
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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. L…
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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 cho…
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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 …
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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 @nephdo…
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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 gra…
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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.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
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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.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
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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…
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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.By National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
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