In this episode, Kent Bresler sits down with LJ Dong, a remarkable individual who shares her unique journey of overcoming Nutcracker Syndrome and becoming a kidney donor. LJ talks about surviving multiple surgeries on her spine and abdomen and how a diagnosis of  Nutcracker Syndrome has changed her life. Nutcracker Syndrome is a compression of the renal vein causing, pain and potential damage to the kidney. Corrective surgery was unsuccessful. This inspiring conversation sheds light on the complexities of kidney health and the power of resilience and generosity.

Stay up to date with LJ Dong at https://ljthemedium.com/

For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join their supportive community, visit https://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!

In this heartfelt episode, Kent Bresler sits down with Jamie Stroup, a remarkable woman who has undergone not one, but two heart transplants, and a double lung transplant. Jamie shares her incredible journey from her first transplant at the age of 16 to her recent second heart transplant in October 2023. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the support from her family and friends, and the importance of maintaining her health and sanity through it all. Tune in to be inspired by Jamie’s resilience and strength.

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!

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!

In this heartfelt episode of Kent’s Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler reconnects with Ali Dawson and Sonia, two inspiring individuals from London. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, kindness, and the life-changing impact of kidney donation.

We hear about the incredible journey of Sonia, who suffers from polycystic kidney disease, and her miraculous connection with Ali, a former student who selflessly stepped forward to donate his kidney. Sonia shares the emotional rollercoaster of her diagnosis, the challenges of dialysis, and the overwhelming gratitude she feels for Ali’s altruistic act. Ali, in turn, discusses his motivations and the unwavering determination that led him to become a living donor.

The episode delves into the differences in kidney donation practices between the UK and the US, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for living donors. Kent, Ali, and Sonia explore the importance of preemptive transplants, the emotional and physical toll of dialysis, and the profound bond that forms between donors and recipients.

Join us for this moving conversation that underscores the significance of organ donation and the enduring impact it has on the lives of recipients and their families. Whether you’re a patient, a potential donor, or simply someone interested in the transformative power of organ donation, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

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!

In our latest episode of Kent’s Kidney Stories, we bring you the incredible journey of Julie Lynn Nast. From her early struggles with kidney disease and a challenging pregnancy on dialysis to her transplant experience and ongoing advocacy work, Julie’s story is one of resilience and hope.

Julie shares her battles with peripheral artery disease, the complications she faced post-transplant, and her relentless efforts to find a living donor. Her dedication to advocating for kidney health and educating others is truly inspiring.

Don’t miss this heartfelt episode where we delve into the importance of kidney health awareness, the challenges faced by transplant patients, and the power of community support. Tune in now and be inspired by Julie’s journey!

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!

In this special episode of Kent’s Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler steps outside the usual realm of kidney disease to bring you an inspiring conversation with Steven Gambrel, a heart and double lung transplant recipient. Steven shares his remarkable journey, starting from his congenital heart defect diagnosed at birth, through the trials of atrial fibrillation in his teenage years, to the life-saving transplant he received over 29 years ago.

Steven candidly discusses the challenges he faced growing up with his condition, the transformative moment of receiving his transplant, and the ongoing battle with immunosuppressive medication. Kent and Steven delve into the unique aspects of living with a heart and double lung transplant, including the physical and mental hurdles, the importance of family support, and the profound impact of organ donation.

This episode is a testament to resilience and the power of medical advancements. Steven’s story is not only a source of inspiration but also a call to action for greater awareness and support for organ donation. Whether you’re a patient, a medical professional, or someone interested in the incredible stories of transplant recipients, this episode offers a deep and heartfelt look into the life of someone who has beaten the odds.

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!

In this compelling episode of Kent’s Kidney Stories, host Kent Bresler welcomes Elaine Perlman, Executive Director of Waitlist Zero and mentor for the National Kidney Donation Organization. Elaine shares her remarkable journey from educator to kidney donation advocate, spurred by her and her son’s altruistic kidney donations. Together, they delve into the urgent need for the End Kidney Deaths Act, a groundbreaking ten-year pilot proposal aimed at incentivizing kidney donations through a $50,000 refundable tax credit for non-directed donors.

Elaine passionately discusses the tragic reality of the kidney shortage and the ethical considerations of incentivizing donations. She highlights the potential of the bill to save 60,000 lives and generate $14 billion in tax savings by the tenth year. Kent and Elaine also address the broader issues within the kidney community, such as the need for a national awareness campaign and the importance of living donations.

This episode is a powerful call to action for listeners to support the End Kidney Deaths Act and advocate for greater awareness and urgency in addressing the kidney shortage. Join Kent and Elaine as they explore the transformative potential of this legislation and the collective efforts needed to create a future where no one has to wait for a life-saving kidney.

For more information on the End Kidney Deaths Act or to join the supportive community at Kidney Solutions, visit kidneysolutions.org or modifynota.org.

Host: Kent Bresler
Producer: Jason Nunez

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

Kent’s Kidney Stories presents a powerful episode featuring Dr. Matthew Cooper, who sheds light on the latest advancements in kidney transplant monitoring. Discover the remarkable potential of cell-free DNA testing to predict and prevent organ rejection, reducing the need for biopsies and enhancing the longevity of transplanted kidneys. Kent’s personal insights and Dr. Cooper’s expertise combine to offer an informative and inspiring session for patients and medical professionals alike.

For more information on Natera, visit https://www.natera.com

Host: Kent Bresler
Producer: Jason Nunez

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

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Kent’s Kidney Stories, host Kent Bressler is joined by Zachary Sutton, a man of profound impact in the kidney community. With his doctorate in Health Administration and experience as a Physician’s Assistant, Zachary’s journey is one of both professional insight and personal sacrifice, having been an altruistic kidney donor himself.

Kent and Zachary delve into the transformative work happening at the Medical University of South Carolina and the blossoming South Carolina Transplant Foundation. They discuss the power of community support, the importance of patient education, and the life-changing potential of living donation.

But it’s Zachary’s personal narrative that truly captivates as he opens up about his experience as a living donor, the motivations behind his gift, and the ripple effect it has had on encouraging others to consider donation. This episode is a testament to the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of many, and an invitation to listeners to become part of a broader conversation about giving, support, and advocacy within the kidney community.

For those touched by kidney disease or considering organ donation, this episode is not only a source of inspiration but also a call to action. Join us as we explore the journeys that define courage, the stories that inspire generosity, and the collective efforts that are shaping the future of kidney health and transplantation.

For more information on the South Carolina Transplant Foundation, living donation, or to join the supportive community at Kidney Solutions, 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!