News & Events
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Contents:
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 [...]
Recipe of the Month: Hot Crab Dip
December’s recipe is super quick to throw together and easily scalable for larger gatherings: Hot Crab Dip.
Recipe of the Month: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
November’s recipe would be a quick and delicious addition to Thanksgiving dinner: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
National Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month. This is a time when it is necessary to focus on prevention, awareness and management. Most are aware that diabetes and hypertension are the number two risk factors for kidney disease. Not all patients with kidney disease have diabetes or hypertension but some have both. Educate yourself about diabetes—know the risk factors, your family history, exercise and eat healthy. Diabetes can be fatal but it can also be managed. It is always advisable to consult with a physician. There are numerous findings that children with diabetes should be genetically tested because in some cases, diabetes is hereditary. It is also advisable that adults should be genetically tested if diagnosed [...]
How Are You?
How are you? The usual answers are: “I am okay” or “I am fine”. But, how are you really doing? Are you sad? Are you afraid? Are you depressed? Are you feeling anxious? Are you angry? Are you happy? Let us focus on emotional well-being. What is emotional well-being? Many scholars believe that emotional well-being refers to a state of mental health characterized by positive emotions, resilience, and the ability to manage one’s thoughts and feelings in a healthy way. In other words, try to focus more on the positive and less on the negative. Negative thoughts and emotions can affect both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. The reduction of stress and anxiety [...]
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.
The Kidney Citizen Issue 21
Welcome to the Living Well with Kidney Disease issue of the Kidney Citizen! The DPC Education Center is excited to share with you this latest issue that is all about supporting yourself, supporting your community, and continuing to live your best possible life.
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. We deepened our work through community-building and in-depth advocacy training, led by our expert [...]
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 japonés (panko), dividido Instrucciones: Precaliente el horno a 450 °F (232 °C). En un [...]
From Flatline to Front Lines: A Dialysis Warrior’s Fight for Every Patient’s Future
Arthur Hill, DPC Board Member “When Death Couldn't Stop Me, I Knew I Had Work to Do” When I first learned I had Goodpasture's disease – a rare condition that would forever change my life – I had no idea I was about to embark on a journey that would reveal depths of strength I never knew I possessed. September 2010 marked the beginning of what I now call my awakening. Despite feeling unwell, I pushed forward with determination, traveling to Mississippi for work. My body was sending me urgent signals, but I was too focused on my responsibilities to listen. Two weeks later, when I finally sought medical attention, I discovered my [...]
Choosing Life: My Journey with Kidney Disease
Maria Robinson, DPC Board Member I’ve lived with kidney disease for most of my life. Nearly 30 years ago, I began my dialysis journey. Like so many patients, I was not fully prepared for such drastic change. I had to give up my dream job in order to take care of myself. I felt like I was losing the life I had worked so hard to build. Yet, over time, I realized that kidney failure was not the end of my life, but rather the beginning of a new one. It’s one filled with challenges, yes, but also filled with purpose, strength, and community. When I first started dialysis, I was fortunate enough [...]
Kidney Failure and Fighting for Our Cause
Adam Goldstein, DPC Board Member When I was 19, I had my whole life planned out, but cancer had other plans. I survived, but not unscathed. The chemotherapy that saved my life also damaged my kidneys. I was diagnosed with kidney failure and began dialysis soon after. For years, I was determined to push forward and live “normally.” I got a transplant. It gave me back a sense of independence, a sense that maybe life would stop orbiting around hospitals and lab results. But as many of you know, a transplant isn’t always a cure. Mine eventually failed. And so, I returned to dialysis. That was 2009. Since then, I’ve spent many, many [...]
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 and diabetes being the leading causes of kidney disease, it is imperative that these [...]
DPC’s 2025 State Advocacy Wins
Elizabeth Lively, DPC Eastern Region Advocacy Director Pamela Zielske, DPC Western Region Advocacy Director DPC achieved key state wins for ESRD patients as several states passed Medigap premium protections during the 2025 session, with legislation in additional states still in play. In addition, several states passed “birthday rule” bills, which aim to allow more flexibility and patient choice for individuals with Medicare Supplement plans by providing a window for Medigap enrollees to change their plans without medical underwriting. As insurers price their plans differently, enrollees may find a more affordable premium for the same plan from a different insurer. Legislation providing Medigap premium protections for under-age 65 Medicare-eligible ESRD patients remains [...]
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 she showed was quiet but immense. My dad wasn't one to share details – [...]
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 – 260 over 170 – I was on the verge of a stroke. By [...]
