The Kidney Citizen Issue 21

President’s Message

As we celebrate the 21st issue of The Kidney Citizen, I’m reminded not just of how far we’ve come as an organization, but how far each of us has come in our own personal journey with kidney disease.

At Dialysis Patient Citizens, we’ve always believed that living well with kidney disease is possible, and that patients themselves are key to making that happen. Whether it’s through advocacy, education, or simply sharing your story with others, every action taken by a patient makes a difference.

I see that difference in the faces of members who attended our most recent fly-in. Patients across the country came to Washington, D.C. to speak directly with lawmakers. Their voices are powerful reminders that kidney disease does not silence us. It motivates us. It connects us. And most importantly, it empowers us to shape the future for kidney care.

We’re all at different stages of our journey. Some of us are newly diagnosed. Others have been navigating this path for over a decade. Kidney disease is complicated and often unpredictable, but one thing is clear: we are not alone.

This year, we continue to advocate for policies that support patient choice and access to care, including the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act to restore access to critical health insurance coverage for patients who choose it.

But our greatest strength isn’t just in the policies we pursue, it’s in the community we’ve built together. A community of patients who support one another, speak out, and prove every day that living well is not only possible, but powerful.

Thank you for being part of this movement, and for inspiring others through your strength, resilience, and hope. Thank you for standing with us, and for showing the world what it looks like to live well with kidney disease. Remember to let your voices be heard. Your greatest power is your advocacy and being a part of this community!

Sincerely,

Merida Bourjolly
President of DPC Education Center Board of Directors

CEO’s Message

Since Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) was founded over two decades ago, our mission has been clear: to give dialysis patients a voice in the decisions that shape their care and lives. We’ve grown into the nation’ largest patient-led dialysis organization, advocating for more than half a million Americans living with kidney failure, but at our core, we remain a community that uplifts one another.

This issue’s theme, Living Well with Kidney Disease, resonates deeply with me. I was first diagnosed with kidney disease 14 years ago, shortly after joining DPC. Since then, my diagnosis has evolved, first through a biopsy, and later with newly available DNA testing. Like many of you, my journey hasn’t been a straight line. That’s why we believe so strongly in supporting every patient, no matter where they are on their path.

What we’ve learned from our members is this: living well with kidney disease is not just possible, it’s powerful. Whether it’s learning to manage treatments, advocating for better policies, or finding a community that understands, patients play an active role in their own well-being. And when patients get involved with DPC, they help shape a better future for everyone.

You’ll see that spirit throughout this issue, especially in the photos and stories from our recent fly-in to Washington, D.C. There, DPC advocates from across the country met face-to-face with lawmakers to share their experiences and push for change. Moments like these remind us of the difference we can make together.

Thank you for continuing to show up, speak out, and support one another. Living well with kidney disease means embracing the strength, knowledge, and community that surrounds you, and I’m proud that DPC is part of that journey.

Sincerely,

Hrant Jamgochian, J.D., LL.M.
Chief Executive Officer, Dialysis Patient Citizens