How to Share Your Story to Find a Donor
Asking for help is never easy. Asking for a kidney? That feels nearly impossible at first. I know because I’ve been there—sitting with the weight of end-stage kidney failure, scared of what’s next, and wondering how to even begin telling people what I need. But here’s what I’ve learned: sharing your story is one of the most […]
Episode 126: Aimee Makovic – From Heart to Kidney: A Transplant Trilogy
Kent Bresler is joined by Amy Makovic, a poet and professor whose life-altering journey through a triple organ transplant during the pandemic is nothing short of miraculous. Her candid conversation delves into the emotional rollercoaster of an 18-hour surgery, an 11-month hospital recovery, and the mental health challenges that followed. Amy’s resilience shines through as […]
Episode 125: A Tale of Transplants and Triumphs
In this deeply personal episode of ‘Kent’s Kidney Story,’ Kent Bresler invites listeners to explore the intersection of kidney health and the aging process. From his own experiences with a transplant that has lasted over three decades to the nuances of managing life post-transplant, Kent offers a transparent look at the highs and lows. […]
Episode 124: Jaime Imhof – Dual Donor Double Transplant Recipient
Kent talks to Jaime Imhof, a dual donor double transplant recipient. In June 2022 she was rushed to the hospital raging with multiple infections and organ failure. and was given a 10% chance of survival. Jamie needed a liver transplant first to survive, breaking the six-month sobriety rule in a groundbreaking program led by Johns […]
Episode 123: Lauren Drew – Living Kidney Donor & Advocate
Kent talks to Lauren Drew, who gave her kidney to a stranger and became a kidney advocate. Lauren works at the National Kidney Foundation and helps shape policies for kidney patients and donors. Listen to this episode to hear Lauren’s inspiring story and learn how to support the kidney community. If you have questions regarding […]
Episode 122: Ryan Pendergraft Radio DJ & Kidney Transplant Recipient
Lots of laughter and joy as Ryan shares his kidney journey story with Kent. Ryan is a local radio station celebrity in Kerrville, Texas at 103.7 MIKE FM. His story is beyond the routine as he had lost one kidney and then had cancer in his remaining kidney and lost it too. He shares about […]
Episode 121: Rachel A. Davis, MD – Lithium and Kidney Donation
Kent talks with Rachel A. Davis, MD associate professor of psychiatry and neurosurgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine. Rachel is a non-directed liver donor, donating the right lobe of her liver in January of 2022. This experience fueled a desire to increase awareness and advocacy about living liver and kidney donation. […]
Episode 120: Erin Kahle, MPA, CNP – Deputy Director of the American Association for Kidney Patients
Kent and his good friend Erin Kahle talk about the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). A group focused on the welfare of all patients with Kidney Disease. He calls her exceptional and humble. Enjoy her love for kidney patients. Click here to visit the official website for AAKP. If you have questions regarding items […]
Episode 119: Ali Dawson – Living Donor, Advocate, and Donor Mentor
Kent speaks with Ali Dawson. Ali is from the UK and chose to give one of his kidneys to one of his colleagues, Sonia. His story is unique in that he now has become a huge advocate and plans to altruistically donate a part of his liver in the coming years! The whole experience has […]
Episode 118: Hannah Graves – Let’s Talk Transplant Referral Exchange
Hannah Graves is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Attending school in the community, Hannah found her calling in psychology and pursued the direction of a well-placed guidance counselor to pursue social work. After graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Hannah decided to attend Graduate School for Social Work at the University […]