News & Events
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World Kidney Day – March 12, 2026
World Kidney Month is always acknowledged in the month of March and World Kidney Day is always on the second Thursday of March. The theme for this year is Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet. The following information is retrieved www.worldkidneyday.org. Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major and growing global health challenge, affecting 1 in 10 people worldwide. Often silent in its early stages, CKD can progress unnoticed until it causes severe health consequences, profoundly impacting individuals, families, and communities. The disease significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, reduces quality of life, and may advance to kidneyfailure, where survival [...]
How Do You Do This?
Ann stood in front of the dialysis center with a big smile on her face. She just had a dialysis treatment, and was waiting with another patient, Lydia, for transportation to get home. She felt good, kept a smile on her face, and spoke to people who did not speak back. Finally, Lydia, who did not speak to anyone, said, “How do you do this three times a week and still smile?”. Ann replied that: she woke up with enough strength to get another treatment to see another day; she is able to kiss her children before she leaves for dialysis; she has time to take her neighbor, who is suffering with cancer a [...]
Recipe of the Month: Green Bean Chicken Chili
March’s recipe is the perfect meal for when you still want something a little heartier and comforting: Green Bean Chicken Chili.
Renal Health Disparities
The word “disparity” is defined as a difference in level or treatment, especially, one that is seen as unfair. No matter what race, creed, or color, all patients should be treated fairly and equally! Many patients cannot advocate for themselves—this can also be a problem/obstacle. This article focuses on information about renal health disparities. The DPC Education Center’s intention is to always be a valuable resource. The information below is retrieved from: Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School (health.harvard.edu). Many people are surprised to learn that kidney disease does not affect everyone equally. In Reno and across the United States, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) occur at much higher rates among racial [...]
Recipe of the Month: Caramel Rolls
February’s recipe is a labor of love but would make the perfect sweet treat for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day: Caramel Rolls.
Habichuelas tiernas horneadas con parmesano
Receta enviada por: JoEllen Ford, MS, RD, LDN Tiempo de preparación: 5 min Tiempo de cocción: 15 min Tiempo total: 20 min Porciones: 4 Ingredientes: 1 libra (aprox. 450 g) habichuelas tiernas (o judías verdes) frescas 2 cucharadas aceite de oliva 2 cucharadas queso parmesano rallado 2 cucharadas pan rallado japonés (panko) ¼ cucharadita sal ½ cucharadita ajo en polvo Instrucciones: Precaliente el horno a 400 °F (200 °C). En un tazón grande, mezcle todos los ingredientes hasta que las habichuelas tiernas (o judías verdes) estén bien cubiertas con el resto de los ingredientes. Distribuya las habichuelas o judías en una bandeja para hornear con bordes. Hornee por 15-20 minutos, revolviendo a la mitad [...]
2025 State Medigap Wins & 2026 Priorities
Elizabeth Lively, DPC Eastern Region Advocacy Director Pamela Zielske, DPC Western Region Advocacy Director DPC will continue to build on this momentum in the state Medigap arena in the 2026 legislative session. Our state advocacy directors are currently planning on advancing Medigap legislation in Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and Utah. How can you help? We are always looking for DPC Patient Ambassadors to share their stories by writing letters to legislators, testifying at committee hearings, and participating in Action Alerts that are emailed to our members. Building strong relationships with legislators through the legislative process is how DPC is able to achieve success and improve the quality of life [...]
January is National Blood Donor Month
Every blood donation is a lifeline, especially for dialysis and transplant patients who depend on a reliable blood supply for treatment, surgery, and recovery. During National Blood Donor Month, we’re reminded just how critical donated blood is to patient care, particularly as supplies often run low at this time of year. By donating blood, you can make a direct and immediate impact. One donation can help save multiple lives and ensure patients receive the care they need without delay. This National Blood Donor Month, DPC is encouraging everyone who is able to step up and be the reason someone gets a second chance at health and healing. Find out more here, including your nearest [...]
Living Fully: My Journey with Peritoneal Dialysis
Dwan Dobson, DPC Patient Ambassador When I was first diagnosed with kidney failure in 2005, it felt like my life had been turned upside down overnight. One day I was working two jobs as a teacher and tutor at a detention center, and the next, I was in the hospital learning that my kidneys had stopped working. Like so many others, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was determined to stay positive and keep moving forward. At first, I began emergency dialysis through a chest port. Once I adjusted, I transitioned to peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home. PD gave me flexibility. I could continue teaching, mentoring, and doing what I [...]
Choosing the Right Path: My Journey with Home Hemodialysis
Amber Gardner, DPC Patient Ambassador When I was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2023, it came as a shock. I had gone to the doctor for high blood pressure, but soon learned that my kidneys were failing. Suddenly, I was faced with decisions that would affect every part of my life – which treatment option to choose, how to adjust my routine, and what this diagnosis meant for my future. With a background in journalism, research has always been second nature to me. I spent hours learning about dialysis – comparing hemodialysis (HD), done through the arm or a catheter, and peritoneal dialysis (PD), done through the stomach. I wanted to understand [...]
Turning Trials into Triumph: A Journey with Kidney Disease
Alethea Walls, DPC Board Member I've learned that living with kidney disease doesn't mean life stops - it just means you learn to live it differently. My journey with kidney disease began at just 14 years old. I was diagnosed with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), and my life changed overnight. While most teenagers were navigating high school and part-time jobs, I was learning about my treatment options. I started with peritoneal dialysis, then transitioned to hemodialysis. Each option came with its own adjustments, but I wasn't going to let this stop me. As soon as I turned 16, I got my first job and never stopped pushing forward. At one point, I [...]
Treatment Options for End Stage Renal Disease
Nancy Scott, DPC Education Center Project Manager Many patients crash into dialysis and are placed into in-center dialysis centers. Hopefully, more providers are educating patients about treatment options. When patients are engaged and educated about their respective conditions, they tend to have a better quality of life both physically and mentally. The world of kidney disease is forever changing and making a significant impact on the journey of renal patients. Explore Potential Treatment Options for Kidney Failure[1] A kidney transplant is often the best possible treatment option for patients with kidney failure. If you aren’t eligible for a kidney transplant, or if you are awaiting a kidney from a living or deceased [...]
Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis (HHD): Kidney Replacement Therapy with Less Impact on Daily Life
Brigitte Schiller, MD, FACP, FASN, SVP, Medical Officer: Home Therapies, Global Medical Office, Medical Affairs, Fresenius Medical Care Important progress has been made in the delivery of dialysis. The “one size fits all” approach with standard thrice-weekly in-center hemodialysis shifts toward personalized care, emphasizing quality of life, independence, and symptom management tailored to each person’s clinical and personal needs. Kidney replacement therapy at home is a critical ingredient in this effort. While kidney transplantation remains the gold standard of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), most people require dialysis before receiving a transplant. As patients await transplantation, selecting the appropriate dialysis modality is critical. Person-centered Kidney Replacement Therapy Choice: Person-centered care requires understanding each [...]
Staying Hopeful Through the Wait
Hasan Artharee, DPC Board Member Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) runs in my family. I watched my grandmother go through dialysis when I was young, and later my mother during my college years. So, when I was diagnosed with PKD at 22, I understood what the future might hold. The diagnosis came after my blood pressure kept rising and I needed medication. My doctors checked my kidneys and found that PKD was affecting my blood pressure and other systems. They told me that based on my family history, I'd probably need dialysis or a transplant by my 40s. For the next 13 years, it was about monitoring – annual checkups, tracking my creatinine [...]
Finding My Path Through Treatment Options
Cheri Rodriguez Jones, DPC Board Secretary I was seven years old when doctors diagnosed me with a rare kidney disease. The 1980s and 90s didn't offer much in terms of treatment – just managing symptoms and preserving kidney function as long as possible. Hospital visits became routine. At 19, after some tests, my doctor called with surprising news: "You need to start dialysis." While unexpected, I'd always known dialysis was coming eventually. By then I was already a mother to my infant son. Discovering What Worked for Me The medical team recommended peritoneal dialysis so I could do treatments at home. I trusted their guidance. It worked well for about seven months [...]
The Kidney Citizen Issue 22
Welcome to the Treatment Options issue of the Kidney Citizen! The DPC Education Center is excited to share with you this latest issue that is all about different treatment modalities, supporting yourself, and continuing to live your best possible life.
Recipe of the Month: Lemon Dill Salmon
January's recipe is perfect for when you’re craving a filling meal that still feels light and fresh: Lemon Dill Salmon
The Holidays!!!
The holidays are here! Let us not forget that the holidays are not always joyous for everyone, especially those with chronic diseases. Holiday events tend to focus on food and often food that is not renal friendly. Research foods that still taste good but are also good for you! Get plenty of rest and watch your fluids. You can still have fun but just be mindful so that you can enjoy the holidays because of being compliant. On another note, some individuals may be sad for many reasons—lack of support, loss of a loved one, finances, not feeling well most of the time—the list goes on and on. If you are able to reach out [...]
