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Hope Week emcee Lori Hartwell has made a difference in the lives of people with chronic kidney disease. Having lived with the disease since age two, she survived 40-plus surgeries, 13 years of dialysis, and four kidney transplants. Lori founded the patient-led Renal Support Network in 1993 to instill “health, happiness, and hope” into the lives of fellow patients. She is author of “Chronically Happy – Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness,” an inspirational guidebook for handling lifestyle and other non-medical issues that come up in the course of chronic disease. She also hosts the KidneyTalk Podcast. Learn more about Lori Hartwell

Gregory Schlessinger, MD

Dr. Schlessinger is a practicing nephrologist and managing physician at Rocky Mountain Kidney Care. He grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC San Diego, and earned his M.D. at Vanderbilt. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine in Texas and trained in Nephrology in Colorado. His focus is on treating kidney disease and hypertension. Dr. Schlessinger has held leadership roles, including Medical Director of dialysis units and Vice-President of Clinical Affairs for US Renal Care, with a commitment to improving patient care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and pets, as well as biking and hiking.

Todd Minga, MD

Dr. Minga is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. He received his training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Following his training, he moved to Florida where he spent 20 years in private practice. During this time, Todd maintained a busy nephrology practice, including serving as a medical director of dialysis units and maintaining a research center focusing on chronic kidney disease and dialysis. Currently, he is Vice-President of Clinical Research and Medical Affairs at Akebia Therapeutics where he is continuing to focus on bettering the life of each person impacted by kidney disease. Todd currently lives in Maine where he enjoys activities of all four seasons and spending time with family.

Michelle Rowlett, MSW, LICSW

Michelle Rowlett, MSW, LICSW, has nearly 25 years of experience in healthcare, working with patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Washington and serves as Social Work Supervisor and CKD Program Lead at Puget Sound Kidney Centers. Michelle co-chairs the PNW CNSW and participates in national committees focused on improving patient care and kidney disease awareness. For 22 years, she has been a practicum instructor for MSW students and has developed curriculum for kidney patients and their families for over 15 years. Her specialties include chronic kidney disease, dialysis, grief and loss, mood disorders, and life transitions.

Healio Nephrology News & Issues Cover Feature, “Early identification, treatment of depression in patients with CKD has long-term benefits”

National Kidney Foundation Life as a Nephrology Professional Podcast, “Promoting Advance Care Planning Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease”

Mary Baliker

Mary Baliker was diagnosed with kidney disease at age 9 and has undergone multiple hemodialysis treatments and four kidney transplants, the latest in 1999. Her journey has fueled her passion for supporting kidney patients through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, nonprofits, universities, and as a speaker. She has served on advisory boards, expert panels for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and peer-reviewed medical research programs for the US Department of Defense and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.Her book, Maria Never Gives Up, is available on Amazon.

Jeffrey Reises

Jeffrey Reises is 67 years old and has been happily married for 32 years.  He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. Jeffrey enjoyed many years of good health until he was told that he had kidney cancer in 2001. His right kidney was removed without a biopsy and the tumor turned out to be malignant. He was very lucky that the tumor never escaped the kidney. Over the next several years his left kidney worked properly, until he started hemodialysis for the next 4 ½ years. During that time, he applied and got approved to get on the transplant list.  Even though it was one of the hardest periods of time he ever went through, he kept the faith and tried to live as normal of a life as possible. Finally, on July 10th, 2022, he got the call! It was his turn. There is still a lot of work to be done but Jeffrey can see the light at the end of the tunnel! If you listen to your medical professionals, there is hope!  It’s tough but keep the faith!

Mary Wu

Mary H. Wu is an ABC (American-Born Chinese) patient advocate, poet, published writer, and author of her journey as a two-time kidney transplant recipient “Confessions of a Kidney Transplant Recipient.” She is an avid foodie, tea drinker, traveler, writer, cat lover, and swimmer. To contact her and learn more about her, please go to “The Wu Way” at https://mwu827.wixsite.com/thewuway

Rachel Cluthe

Rachel Cluthe is a loving wife, dedicated working mom, and a determined warrior in her battle against kidney disease. Her days are a blend of nurturing her family, excelling in her career, and navigating the challenges of home hemodialysis. Her husband, Jason, and their children are her biggest supporters, motivating her daily and inspiring her to stay strong.

Living with kidney disease has taught Rachel the importance of self-care, discipline, and cherishing each moment. Though managing home hemodialysis is difficult, she faces it with determination and the unwavering support of her loving family.

Watch Home Hemo demonstration video featuring Rachel: Embracing Independence with Kidney Disease: A Candid Look Behind the Scenes During a Home Dialysis Treatment featuring Rachel Cluthe.

Dawn Edwards

Dawn P. Edwards, a 32-year Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) warrior, has experienced every renal replacement modality, including a kidney transplant and rejection, and is now a Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis patient pursuing a second transplant. With deep insight into the varying needs of CKD patients, she is committed to improving the quality of life for those with kidney disease, particularly in underserved communities of color, by educating about the links between hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. Dawn serves on multiple kidney disease-related boards.

KidneyTalk® Podcast featuring Dawn: Dawn Edwards: Wisdom from a Warrior 

Alex Berrios Jr.

Greetings My name is Alex Berrios and I am a 44 year old man. I reside in Louisville Kentucky. I am a one-time kidney transplant recipient, I work full time for a Value-Based Kidney company called Interwell Health as an enrollment specialist. I am looking for my second transplant. I have been working in the kidney industry for almost 10 years. I have worked as a volunteer; I have worked as a patient advocate for a transplant program here in Kentucky. I have spoken at a variety of different patient roundtable discussions about all things Kidney disease. I am a family man, I have two kids, a daughter, Abigail 13 and a son, Zander 9  I enjoy watching baseball and all kinds of sports movies and podcasts. I am excited to speak about being an active dialysis patient while working full time.

Jennifer McClung

At 16, Jennifer was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure, going from what seemed like the flu to learning her kidneys had failed, her heart was dangerously enlarged, and she needed dialysis within 48 hours. She spent over 17 years on dialysis—14 on peritoneal and 3.5 on hemodialysis—before finally receiving a kidney transplant in December 2015. Since then, Jennifer has become a passionate kidney advocate, running a local support group, educating the public about kidney health, and encouraging organ donation. She also speaks to legislators in Washington, D.C., pushing for laws to support the kidney community. Through her story, Jennifer inspires others to face challenges with a positive mindset and humor.

Read Jennifers Essay: Turning Music into Triumphs, 3rd Place, RSN’s 22nd Annual Essay Contest

Jessica Frysz

Jessica Olivia Frysz is 36 years old. She was born and raised in Cheektowaga NY by her parents Robert and Colette Frysz and has a sister, Angelina and a niece Kayla. Jessica is currently 7 years kidney transplanted from a deceased donor. She is a full-time vet tech.

Podcast featuring Jessie: The Unbreakable Jessie Frysz

Pamela Winterberg, MD

Dr. Winterberg was a practicing Pediatric Nephrologist and researcher for 10 years before joining Alexion, Astra Zeneca Rare Disease in 2022. As Senior Medical Director in Clinical Development, she is dedicated to finding new treatment options for people living with kidney disease by designing and running clinical trials.

Rafael Villicana, MD

Rafeal Villicana, MD is the Medical Director, Transplant Nephrology at Loma Linda University Health. He is a Transplant Nephrologist who earned his medical degree from Michigan State University. He completed his internal medicine residency at Mayo Clinic Rochester. He subsequently completed Nephrology and Transplant Nephrology fellowships from UCSF. He then spent nearly a decade on staff at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.  His interests include kidney and pancreas transplantation, living kidney donation and ABO /HLA incompatible kidney transplantation. He is fluent in Spanish. He is an associate professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University.

Read an article by Dr. Villicana: Kidney Donor Options

Joanna Galaes Lee

Joanna Galeas Lee has had kidney disease since 2009 and recently received a kidney transplant after almost 6 years on the waitlist. She is a Board member of Renal Support Network and serves on the Network 18 Subject Matter Expert committee. She holds a degree in business.

Recent blog post by Joanna: Managing a High-risk Pregnancy During a Pandemic with Joanna Galeas Lee

Nick Manzano and Leslie Carey

In December 2009, Leslie and Nick met on his first online date and her last. When not working, they played golf, cooked, gardened, and entertained friends. In 2017, Leslie began peritoneal dialysis, switching to hemodialysis in 2019. During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, she received a kidney from Nick, just weeks after the hospitals reopened. Leslie and Nick married in 2022 and currently live in Napa, CA, where they both work full-time. They enjoy gardening, cooking, music, and entertaining friends. Leslie also enjoys rowing and creating art, while Nick can be found fishing or on the golf course.

Read Nick & Leslie Carey’s KidneyTalk® Magazine cover story: In the Nick of Time

Anthony Barbieri, MD

Anthony joined Amgen in 2018 as the Regional Medical Director for Ultra Rare Nephrology. He has extensive experience in Research & Development, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), and Medical Affairs, most recently serving as a Senior Regional Medical Director and Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) focused on gout. Prior to Amgen, he held positions in Medical Alignment in Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, assisting in the launches of Lesinurad and Anifrolumab. Anthony is a Physician specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with a focus on chronic neurological conditions and Internal Medicine. He previously worked at New York University Langone Medical Center and earned his MD from Upstate Medical University after obtaining a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Madeleine Pahl, MD

Madeleine Pahl, MD, FASN, is a Nephrology Specialist at the University of California, Irvine, in Orange, CA. She is the principal investigator at UC Irvine in the NIDDK-funded, national study, ”The Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes,” a multicenter study designed to identify genetic determinants of diabetic nephropathy in different ethnic groups using a variety of strategies to localize susceptibility genes.

Listen to Dr. Pahl’s KidneyTalk Podcast: Having a Baby on Dialysis

Cher Thomas

Cher Thomas, RDH, is a registered dental hygienist and a renal transplant recipient. After her kidneys failed due to ANCA positive vasculitis, in 1999 her brother became her kidney donor. Cher utilizes her experience with peritoneal dialysis and organ transplantation to explore the relationship between oral and renal health. She lives in Galveston, Texas.

Blog post by Cher Thomas: 11 Tips for Low Sodium and High Flavor

Austin Lee

Austin Lee, a two-time kidney transplant recipient from the DC-Maryland-Virginia Area, was born with a rare condition called Posterior Urethral Valves, leading to nonfunctional kidneys and requiring peritoneal dialysis twice during his life. After his transplants, he became passionate about educating others about kidney disease. Currently, he serves on the Patient Family Advisory Council at Children’s National Medical Center, working to enhance care for patients and their families. Austin is also pursuing a career as a certified child life specialist to support pediatric kidney patients. He actively advocates for kidney organizations, raising awareness about kidney disease and promoting patient choice in dialysis options.

Austin Lee: Giving back and helping others transplantliving.org
Two-Time Kidney Transplant Recipient Grateful for a New Lease on Life – The Baltimore Times baltimoretimes-online.com

Read Austin’s “Capturing Dreams’ Story: The Patient’s Politician

Shane Moore

Hi, I’m Shane, my journey with kidney disease started when I was 19 after being in a car wreck. After 14years of CKD fight I was placed on home hemo and 8 months later I received a kidney from my best friend. Throughout this wild world of CKD I went to nursing school, I have recently married and am grateful to my family and friends who have been on this journey with me. Thank you to RSN for letting me be a part of the monthly Sunday meetings. “You don’t run away from problems, you toward solutions.”

Saley Traore Uwalaka

Saley Traore is a 23-year-old survivor of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), diagnosed at 15. Her experience includes 4 years of hemodialysis, 2 years of peritoneal dialysis, and 2 kidney transplants. In 2020, she founded a nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing dialysis and kidney care access in Guinea, West Africa. Professionally, she is a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist focused on diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure management. Saley is also a new mother to a baby boy and is dedicated to improving equitable healthcare access, particularly in medication therapy, drawing from her experiences as both a patient and a clinical pharmacist.

Kristin Brunstein, DVM

Kristin Brunstein is a dedicated warrior in the fight against chronic kidney disease (CKD). She currently serves as an Associate Veterinarian at a private practice near St. Louis, MO. Each day is an adventure for her as she cares for a variety of patients, including cats, dogs, and exotic animals. When she’s not attending to her furry and scaly patients, Kristin enjoys nurturing her own menagerie of pets, cooking delicious meals, or spending quality time with her loved ones.  Kristin’s journey with kidney disease began in 2019 when, during an unrelated visit, her remarkable primary care physician discovered her condition. She has been diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and is currently at Stage 3B. Despite the challenges posed by kidney disease, Kristin remains unwavering in her passion for saving animals and continues to do what she loves.

Read Kristin’s essay: Eat Wink & Thrive, 1st Place Winner, 18th Annual Essay contest

Karen Langevin

Karen Langevin is certified in hatha, gentle yoga, chair yoga, chair yoga dance, children’s yoga, and yoga for the low back. Her passion in the past 3 years has been teaching Chair Yoga and Chair Yoga Dance in-person and over Zoom.

Helen Currier, BSN, RN, CNN, CENP, MPH, CNN

Helen Currier has over 40 years of experience in renal healthcare, particularly within pediatric and women’s healthcare systems. She has made significant contributions to renal research at both national and local levels and has published extensively, including a book and peer-reviewed articles. A prominent nursing leader, she has served as past president of the Renal Healthcare Association and is an advocate for integrating arts in healthcare alongside traditional treatments. Additionally, she promotes the benefits of exercise, leading transplant recipients in the Transplant Games since 2011. Currier is committed to volunteerism, focusing on applying evidence-based practices to shape international healthcare standards and guidelines.

Isela King

Isela King is the Administrative Coordinator at Renal Support Network. She was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy in 2015 when she was a sophomore in High School. This is the same year that she began volunteering at RSN’s Renal Teen Prom! She received her MPH from the Keck School of Medicine and hopes to use her degree to continue to serve her peers in the kidney community.

Read Isela’s ‘Capturing Dreams’ Story: Healing in Nature

Kristin Rice

Kristin Rice is a life-long kidney patient who is currently on PD dialysis. She’s been an active member and volunteer with RSN since 2020, Kristin is married with a daughter and two fur babies. She works full-time as a change manager and enjoys helping people talk through the various challenges and changes that come with managing CKD.

Watch Kristin’s Peritoneal Dialysis demo video: Embracing Independence with Kidney Disease: A Candid Look Behind the Scenes During a Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment featuring Kristin Rice.

Asha James

Hi, My name is Asha James and I’m 25 years old and I was diagnosed with renal failure at age 13. I received a kidney transplant when I was in Arizona at the age of 19 in November 18, 2018 and a year after my transplant, I am still dealing with type 2 diabetes for the past 6 years and ongoing. Over the years, I’ve been through a lot of health problems throughout many years, but it didn’t stop me from getting both my associate and bachelor’s degree through an online university. I work as a full-time Witness Coordinator and Receptionist at the Compton Branch Office District Attorney’s office. When I started to follow Renal Support Network when I was 16, it made a difference to where you can live your life and have faith in your health to keep going for more opportunities for open doors.

Read Asha’s ‘Capturing Dreams’ Story: Keep Your Head Up

Michael Jiuliano

Michael was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at age age 3 and, 11 years and 3 kidney transplants later, he received a working kidney in 1998. After a long adventurous road, he married his best friend from college and they have a rambunctious 3 year old boy. Michael also works in recovery at Tarzana Treatment Centers where he is blessed with help addicts and alcoholics.

Read Micheal’s ‘Capturing Dreams’ Story: It’s a Wonderful Life

Clarissa Lee, Eliut Domin, and Marlene Rattle – Parent’s Perspective Discussion Panel

Clarissa, Eliut, and Marlene are all mothers of children with kidney disease. They have gathered here to share the insights and tips they have gained throughout their journeys.

Read about Marlene and her son Joey in their ‘Capturing Dreams’ Story: A Tale of Two Mothers

Nadia Marzella MS, RDN, CSR, LD

Nadia Marzella is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition. Nadia started her career in dietetics in the acute care setting before moving into dialysis 14 years ago. Nadia is the Strategic Nutrition Services Manager for Fresenius Medical Care in the Atlanta, Georgia Area and is also the past-chair of the Georgia Renal Nutrition Association. Nadia was the Georgia Renal Dietitian of the Year in 2023. Outside of work, Nadia enjoys cooking and gardening as well as outside activities.

Karol Franks

Karol Franks is a passionate advocate for people with kidney disease and living donors. Three of her family members have had kidney transplants. Karol is an administrator for Living Donors Online, and an administrator for the “I Hate Dialysis” Facebook group. Karol is a long-time volunteer at RSN’s Renal Teen Prom and other programs. She and her husband reside in Southern California.

Recent RSN editorial contributions by Karol Franks:
Unlocking Hope: Exploring Kidney Donor Vouchers and Innovative Strategies for Finding a Donor
Understanding and Avoiding Internet Scams
Advocating for Preemptive Kidney Transplant: The Journey to Help My Sister
How to Find a Kidney Donor

Maria Ferris, MD, MPH, PhD wanted to be a doctor since she was 6 years of age. She wanted to help other children feel better soon. Her poor siblings got tired of playing patient all the time! She has cared for children for over 25 years. She is the parent of a young adult who has a chronic condition diagnosed at 18 months of age. She learned early in her career the importance of listening to parents and their concerns, as they know their children better than anyone else. She also values the input of the parents, grandparents and siblings when she design treatment plans. Dr. Ferris takes care of her patients as she would like for my own children to be cared for.
Dr. Ferris will be joining other mothers of children with a chronic illness to share the insights and tips they have gained throughout their journeys.

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