Kent's Kidney Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

Kent reconnects with Charles Cranford, who is seeking a living kidney donor after his kidney function began to fail. Charles shares his journey, including his past transplant experience with his wife, Amy, and the challenges he faces as he navigates the need for another transplant. Together, they emphasize the importance of community support, faith, and the proactive steps Charles is taking to spread the word about his need for a donor.

Charles discusses the emotional duality of feeling helpless yet hopeful, highlighting the significance of asking for help and the role of prayer in his journey. Kent and Charles explore the power of sharing one's story and how it can inspire others to take action, whether through donation or by spreading the message.

If you feel called to help, reach out to Kidney Solutions or contact Kent directly at 830-285-2140 to learn how you can become a living donor for Charles.

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next inspiring episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bressler talks with Finn Israel, a young man living with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Finn shares how a surprising diagnosis led to kidney failure and the urgent need for a transplant.

Through it all, Finn highlights the strength he finds in family, friends, and community support. He and Kent also talk about the challenges of kidney disease, the strict process for finding donors, and the hope that comes from living donors. Finn stays positive by enjoying activities like hiking and cooking while waiting for a match.

Tap here to stay up to date with Finn.

If you feel inspired to become Finn's donor, go to Stanford Health — Living Donor Program and complete a short questionnaire. Are YOU the one?

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join our supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org.

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Join Kent Bressler as he delves into the New Era Act, a groundbreaking Bill aimed at improving the lives of those with rare kidney diseases. Learn about Kent's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, the importance of early intervention, and how you can contribute to this vital cause. Don't miss this informative and inspiring episode!

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join their supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org.

Host: Kent Bresler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks to his friend, Armand Halter. Armand initially learned that his kidneys were failing after donating blood. He endured Peritoneal Dialysis for 3 years. During this time, Armand worked and traveled. We learn a very unique aspect of Armand's transplant. He and Kent reflect on the emotions that are tied to receiving a Kidney Transplant. Later in the episode, we learn about the wonderful work Armand is doing with the National Kidney Foundation's Peer Mentoring program. 

Mentioned on the episode:

Peritoneal Dialysis

NKF Peer Mentor Program

TXMultilisting

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Gail Glasser. We join in celebrating Gail's 5 year Kidney Transplant Anniversary! Gail has lived with kidney disease since she was 18 years old when an undiagnosed strep throat impacted her kidney. Gail's nephrologist was ahead of his time and believed in a treatment plan that was supplemented with specific diets and vitamins. This made it possible for Gail to go 30+ years without requiring dialysis or a transplant. She ultimately received her kidney transplant in November 2015 from a deceased donor and has since been actively involved in awareness building for kidney patients. In addition to her business, Gail works actively with kidney transplant patients to ensure they feel as though they have the tools necessary to take control and live healthy, long lives. 

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of Kent's Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

Click here for more information on the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). 

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with Edward Drake, II. "Why me?" Ed asked himself when he was suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with renal failure at age 20. Then he asked himself "Why not me?" This prompted him to use his negative experience in a positive way—to spread the word that while it is true certain people are at an increased risk, kidney disease can happen to anyone, at any time, and that's why it's so important to get checked early. 

Edward received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor in October of 2008, and continues to spread the word about organ donation and early detection through his own charity, the YNOTT? Foundation (Youth Needing Organ & Tissue Transplants), and as a field ambassador for the American Association of Kidney Patients. He frequently visits kidney disease and dialysis patients of all ages, especially young ones like him, mentoring and comforting them with his own story and positive outcome. He also advocates for policies that improve the lives and treatments of those with kidney disease and expand patient choices. 

YNOTT? Foundation

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of Kent's Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Lindsay Gath. She is married and a mother of two. She was diagnosed with Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) when she was 11 years old. In 2016 after a visit with her Nephrologist, she was informed that it was time to start considering Dialysis. Lindsay shares her journey in searching for a Living Donor and Preemptive Transplant. She received an outpouring of support when she shared his story on Social Media. This is a wonderful episode that provides hope to all who listen. 

Items Mentioned on the episode:

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN)

Preemptive Transplant

The YNOTT Foundation

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of Kent's Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Laura Ellsworth. She was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease when she was a Senior in High School. Laura shares her experience of feeling the effects of CKD leading up to receiving her transplant from a very special person. Kent and Laura also talk about Preemptive Transplants, the importance of having Health Insurance as a Transplant Recipient, and much more! 

Please join us in congratulating Laura on her Kidney Transplant Anniversary!

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of Kent's Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

Click here for more information on the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). 

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, Brandy Webster. Brandy lives in Utah with her wife Lyndzie and their beautiful daughter. She shares her story of being diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy (also known as Berger's Disease), her choice to forgo dialysis, and pursue a preemptive Kidney Transplant. Later in the episode, We learn which special person in her life became her Donor and how the Kidney Community helped as her Kidney Transplant approached. This is truly an inspirational story.  

Mentioned on the podcast:

IGA Nephropathy

Mr. Bill Murray

IGA Nephropathy Foundation of American

YNott

If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted on an episode of a Kent's Kidney Stories on your Kidney Transplant Anniversary contact Kent at kent.bressler@kidneysolutions.org

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez

Welcome back! In today's episode, Kent speaks with AAKP's Ambassador, AAKP Ambassador Jennifer Jones. A retired Marine Veteran Jennifer's life changed drastically in a matter of months due to kidney disease. Her kidneys began to fail while deployed to Afghanistan which resulted in immediate medical evacuation to Germany to receive a diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome. Upon returning to the states, she was immediately admitted as a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. After months of testing and multiple medications, she was diagnosed with Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) shortly after her 28th birthday. The cause is unknown and there is very limited information on MPGN Type 1 Idiopathic. Jennifer was medically retired after almost 12 years of service as a Combat Camera Videographer including 3 tours to Iraq and the 1 to Afghanistan which ended her career. Facing physical and mental challenges while living alone with limited assistance from friends and family caused isolation, depression, and even suicidal ideations. She knew that she had to make a decision, is she going to become her own advocate in order to take charge of her health and well-being, or is she going to give up and succumb to this disease?

Jennifer is an incredibly inspirational person and provides some great insights throughout the episode. 

Mentioned on the podcast:

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN)

VA Evaluation

Quality Insights Renal Network 5

Veterans Transplantation Association 

You can connect with Jennifer at:

Her Website: https://www.genresilient.com/

Instagram & Twitter @genresilient

For more information on Kidney Solutions, visit them at www.kidneysolutions.org

Host: Kent Bressler
Producer: Jason Nunez