Recipe of the Month: Pumpkin Pancakes
October's recipe is the perfect way to start a crisp autumnal morning (or go breakfast for dinner!): Pumpkin Pancakes.
DPC Advocacy Day 2025: When Patients Lead, Policy Listens
Yolonda Brisbane, DPC Grassroots Manager From July 12–15, 2025, the nation’s capital was infused with a powerful sense of purpose and unity as Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) welcomed 36 extraordinary Patient Ambassadors—dialysis patients, transplant recipients, and family members of those living with or lost to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)—to Washington, D.C. for our Annual Congressional Advocacy Day. Our time together began with preparation and purpose. Patient Ambassadors entered a space of belonging that offered state-of-the-art meeting rooms and delicious kidney-friendly meals—nourishing both body and spirit. This setting became the heart of meaningful conversations, new friendships, and genuine camaraderie. [...]
Gratinado de Calabacín y Calabaza
Esta receta fue adaptada por Collette Powers, MA, RD, LDN, ACSM EP-C, a partir de Our best summer casserole recipes, abril 2017, Taste of Home. Tiempo de preparación: 25 min Tiempo de cocción: 10 min Tiempo total: 35 min Porciones: 6 Ingredientes: 2 cucharadas aceite de oliva extra virgen 2 calabacines medianos, cortados en rodajas de ¼ de pulgada (aproximadamente 2 tazas) 1½ calabaza amarilla mediana, cortada en rodajas de ¼ de pulgada (aproximadamente 2 tazas) 2 chalotes, picados finamente ½ cucharadita orégano seco ¼ cucharadita pimienta negra molida gruesa 4 dientes de ajo, picados finamente 1 taza pan rallado [...]
Living Well with Kidney Disease
Velma Scantlebury MD, FACS, GCM, DPC Education Center Health Care Consultant In the United States, there are over 35 million persons who have chronic kidney disease, which accounts for one in every seven adults. Unfortunately, many millions also have chronic kidney disease and are not aware of the diagnosis. However, having chronic kidney disease may mean having to alter some of your lifestyle habits to protect your kidney function, but many of us must make sacrifices to stay healthy: limiting fats and high calorie drinks, increasing vegetables and healthy greens, and engaging in regular physical activity. However, with hypertension [...]
Empowerment in My Voice
Quiana Bishop, DPC Board President When my father was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), our family stepped into unfamiliar territory. We didn't know what it meant, how to help, or even what questions to ask. We learned fast – but we learned through fear, frustration, and love. Today, I share our journey not just to honor him, but to help others avoid that helplessness and find hope sooner. My mother became the caregiver overnight. One minute she was his partner; the next, she was managing medications, appointments, and emotions that none of us had language for. The strength [...]
One Day at a Time: Life Beyond Kidney Failure
Adrian Miller, DPC Board Member Thirteen years ago, I thought my story was over before it really began. I was walking with my brother on Super Bowl Sunday in February 2012, following our tradition of visiting neighborhood bars before heading to our parents' house. But that day, I couldn't even make it a block without stopping to catch my breath. I was gasping for air like I'd just run a marathon. Deep down, I knew something was seriously wrong. The next morning, I asked my sister to take me to the emergency room. When they checked my blood pressure [...]
September is National Sepsis Awareness Month
SEPSIS? What is sepsis? What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis? Is sepsis fatal? Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that can be fatal. Dialysis patients and all patients must be aware of the signs and symptoms and advise their medical providers immediately about their respective concerns. This is a serious matter and must never be taken lightly. The sooner it is identified, the better the outcome! The following article has been retrieved from the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214 Overview Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, [...]
Recipe of the Month: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Our September recipe is the perfect addition to any football tailgating or watch party spread: Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease News Update
Are you anemic? What is anemia? Chronic kidney disease is a leading factor in anemia because when the kidneys are damaged, they cannot produce enough erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Iron deficiency and inflammation can also be other factors that can cause anemia. Why is this news? Patients who have chronic kidney disease are often told that they are anemic but may not understand the term or the causes. This article will help to explain the causes, symptoms and treatment for anemia. The following article is retrieved from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive [...]
Recipe of the Month: Zucchini Squash Bake
Our August recipe is a super quick and simple recipe that takes advantage of all the summer squash that’s in season: Zucchini Squash Bake.