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National Minority Health Month and National Donate Life Month

2026-04-08T13:20:41-04:00April 8th, 2026|Categories: eNews, Kidney Transplant, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Treatment|

Both events are celebrated in April and are designed to bring awareness about various illnesses and encourage individuals to concentrate on maintaining healthy lifestyles. When individuals are in tune with their bodies, this may help to identify and/or prevent a potential bigger problem. Awareness and education are essential when medical issues arise!  Ask questions, stay informed—be encouraged! The following information is retrieved from Black Health Matters (www.blackhealthmatters.com) and Donate Life America (www.donatelife.net). National Minority Health Month (Retrieved from: www.blackhealthmatters.com) What is National Minority Health Month? Observed every April, National Minority Health Month (NMHM) calls attention to and works to eliminate [...]

World Kidney Day – March 12, 2026

2026-03-11T16:10:16-04:00March 11th, 2026|Categories: eNews, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Treatment, What Is Kidney Disease|

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 [...]

How Do You Do This?

2026-03-12T09:22:05-04:00March 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Treatment, Uncategorized|

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 [...]

Renal Health Disparities

2026-02-09T15:42:50-05:00February 9th, 2026|Categories: eNews, Quality of Life, Resources, Staying Healthy, Treatment, What Causes Kidney Disease|

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 [...]

2025 State Medigap Wins & 2026 Priorities

2026-01-09T14:31:53-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Costs for Treatment, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Resources, The Kidney Citizen|

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 [...]

January is National Blood Donor Month

2026-01-08T09:59:11-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Kidney Transplant, Treatment|

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 [...]

Living Fully: My Journey with Peritoneal Dialysis

2026-01-09T14:20:35-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

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 [...]

Choosing the Right Path: My Journey with Home Hemodialysis

2026-01-09T14:01:19-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Quality of Life, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

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 [...]

Turning Trials into Triumph: A Journey with Kidney Disease

2026-01-09T13:48:41-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, Dialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, Support, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment, What Causes 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, [...]

Treatment Options for End Stage Renal Disease

2026-01-09T13:37:42-05:00January 5th, 2026|Categories: Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Peritoneal Dialysis, Quality of Life, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

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 [...]

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