Advertise on podcast: Kent's Kidney Stories

Kent speaks with Alana and Reggie Carroll, a remarkable couple whose journey through kidney disease showcases the power of love and selflessness. Reggie, a living donor, shares his experience of donating a kidney to his wife, Alana, who has faced the challenges of FSGS—a condition that has led her to require two transplants in her lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: The Donor's Perspective: Reggie's heartfelt account of what motivated him to donate a kidney to his wife and the joys and challenges that come with it. Living with Kidney Disease: Alana's candid reflections on her journey through multiple transplants and the ongoing management of her health. Finding Community: The significance of support groups and mentorship in navigating the complexities of chronic illness. For more information on kidney donation and support, reach out to Kent at Kidney Solutions or call him directly at 830-285-2140. Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and thank you for listening to Kent's Kidney Stories!

After 17 years living with cardiomyopathy, Terri Cecere received a life-saving heart transplant. Moved by the generosity that saved his wife, her caregiver husband, George, decided to give back in the ultimate way—by donating a kidney to a total stranger. Kent has an inspiring conversation with George and Terri Cecere as they unpack the emotional journey of transplantation, the realities of caregiving, and how a single act of kindness can ripple out to save multiple lives. In this episode, we discuss: The Caregiver's Perspective: The unspoken emotional realities of supporting a loved one through chronic illness and organ failure. Paying It Forward: How receiving one gift of life inspired George to become a living kidney donor. Debunking Living Donation: Why altruistic kidney donation is far more doable—and needed—than most people realize. Building a Community: How George founded TCH Caregiver's Heart to ensure transplant caregivers never have to walk the path alone. For more information on kidney donation and support, reach out to Kent at Kidney Solutions or call him directly at 830-285-2140. Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and thank you for listening to Kent's Kidney Stories!

After a 31-year career in banking, a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in 2013 changed the course of Jean Sime's life. She began in-center hemodialysis in 2015 and, in 2019, received a life-saving kidney transplant from a living donor who was once a stranger.  Following a career transition in 2022, She entered the publishing industry and has since become a passionate advocate for organ donation and kidney health. Jean is the co-author of three award-winning books—Because of Organ Donation, Howl is Thankful for Kidney Donation, and Voices-19, and serves as a motivational speaker, mentor, and advocate for dialysis patients and transplant recipients. She is a proud member of Team Liberty for the Transplant Games of America, where 2026 marks her third participation. For more information on kidney donation and support, reach out to Kent at Kidney Solutions or call him directly at 830-285-2140. Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and thank you for listening to Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bressler welcomes Matt Cavanaugh, a West Point graduate and retired Army officer, who shares his inspiring journey of kidney donation. While serving on active duty, Matt donated a kidney at Walter Reed, igniting a chain of donations that ultimately saved seven lives. He reflects on how his experiences in Iraq and the lessons of service and sacrifice influenced his decision to donate, emphasizing the profound impact it had on his life. Matt discusses the recovery process post-donation, dispelling myths about the limitations faced by kidney donors. He shares his passion for raising awareness about kidney health and the importance of living donation. Matt is a former political candidate. He is committed to serving his community, aims to be a voice for those affected by kidney disease. For more information on kidney donation and support, reach out to Kent at Kidney Solutions or call him directly at 830-285-2140. Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and thank you for listening to Kent's Kidney Stories!

Kent Bressler speaks with Donald Griswold, is a filmmaker and director of the documentary feature film, "Abundant."  This documentary explores the incredible journeys of non-directed kidney donors, diving into themes of giving, scarcity, and abundance. He believe this film aligns perfectly, "Abundant" has been rated 4.8/5 by hundreds of viewers—he is ready to share this journey with you today. To watch "Abundant," visit abundantmovie.com and consider purchasing a copy to share with kidney patients or organizations. For more information on kidney donation and support, reach out to Kent at Kidney Solutions or call him directly at 830-285-2140. 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 sits down with Danny English, an accomplished pianist and music producer. He's looking for a living kidney donor so he can get on with his life and get off dialysis and return to living. He talks about how dialysis gets in the way and cloud his future. We ask you to take a listen, pray and see if you might not be the one to donate to Danny. Kent and Danny discuss the importance of awareness and action in the kidney community, encouraging listeners to consider the profound difference they can make by becoming living donors. If you feel inspired to help Danny reclaim his life, reach out to Kidney Solutions or call Kent directly at 830-285-2140 for more information on how you can make a difference. 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 welcomes Karthik Shivaprasad, discusses artificial intelligence and kidney health. Karthik shares his personal connection to kidney disease, as both of his parents are affected, which has fueled his passion for raising awareness through his nonprofit, Renal Reach. Kent and Karthik delve into how AI can be leveraged to identify patterns and enhance education about chronic kidney disease. Karthik introduces Renal Reach, which focuses on spreading awareness and connecting communities through events and online initiatives. They discuss the importance of early detection and the potential for a universal donor database, aiming to help the estimated 30 million Americans unaware of their kidney health status. Explore Renal Reach and its mission at renalreach.org for valuable resources and information. If you're interested in supporting kidney disease awareness or learning more, reach out to Kent at Kidney Solutions. Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next inspiring episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!

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!

Kent Bressler talks with Josie Maier, co-director of Project Donor—a nonprofit offering free support to living organ donor candidates. Kent reflects on his journey as a living donor kidney transplant recipient and his recent triumph over cancer. Josie sheds light on key challenges in organ donation, especially how BMI restrictions can prevent otherwise willing individuals from donating. Project Donor works to shift the conversation by helping potential donors overcome reversible barriers through free weight loss programs, smoking cessation resources, and therapy. Together, Kent and Josie highlight the urgent need for more living kidney donors and the importance of awareness. Listen in and discover how you can make a difference in this life-saving mission. For more information about Project Donor, visit projectdonor.org and to connect with Kidney Solutions, go to 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!

Kent Bressler welcomes Glenna Frey, MSN, APRN-CNS. She has dedicated over 40 years to nephrology nursing, specializing in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. In 2017, she donated a kidney to a stranger at the Cleveland Clinic. The following year, she co-founded Kidney Donor Conversations (KDC), a nonprofit providing education and support for living kidney donation with her daughter, Amanda. Glenna serves as executive director of KDC and frequently presents programs on living kidney donation. She is a member of the American Nephrology Nurses Association and the National Kidney Donation Organization. She volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation and other kidney-focused groups. Her connection to kidney disease and transplantation is deeply personal. Many of her relatives, including her husband Bob, have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Bob has undergone dialysis and is now living with his second kidney transplant from a living donor. Her children, Amanda and Sawyer, also have PKD but currently maintain normal kidney function. Glenna is a published author and contributor to several works on kidney donation and nephrology nursing, including In Pursuit of a Better Life: The Ultimate Guide for Finding Living Kidney Donors, Thriving Post Kidney Transplant, and the Nephrology Nursing Journal. Additionally, she served as a reviewer for the 4th edition of Contemporary Nephrology Nursing. She is the author of the book Understanding Living Kidney Donation: The Best Treatment for Kidney Disease, now available on Amazon. Glenna also specializes in holistic therapies, holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is a Hula Hoop instructor. She resides in Northwest Ohio with her husband and enjoys time with her cat, chocolate lab, as well as crocheting, and native plant gardening. Glenna's pride and joy are her children, Amanda and Sawyer, and her granddaughter, Zora. For inquiries, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennafreyrnkidneydonor/ or visit https://www.facebook.com/LivingKidneyDonationBook 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!

Kent Bressler speaks with Rachel Claudine and Dr. Sandy Gilbert from the National Kidney Foundation. They explore the groundbreaking KidneyCARE Study, a pioneering patient-centered research initiative designed to gather vital data directly from individuals living with various stages of kidney disease. Rachel shares her personal journey with Lupus Nephritis, emphasizing the significance of patient stories in advancing kidney health research. Dr. Gilbert highlights the study's aim to capture real-world patient experiences, offering insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy. Discover how this innovative registry is set to transform kidney care and empower patients, while also discovering how you can contribute to this vital research. For more information on the KidneyCARE Study and to participate, visit kidneycarestudy.org. About Our Guests: Sandy Gilbert, PhD is the Senior Director of Patient Outcomes Research at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), where she manages the KidneyCARE (Community Access to Research Equity)™ Study. Since joining NKF in 2024, she has focused on developing and overseeing this pioneering national kidney disease patient registry – the first to integrate patient-reported data with clinical data from electronic health records (EHRs). Rachel Claudin, BS, CCLS is the Patient-Centered Research Director at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Her main work for the past three years has been focused on the advancement of the KidneyCARE Study. As a person living with Lupus Nephritis, she is excited for the patient- entered data collected by the Study to increase and improve kidney care research. Previous to the NKF, Rachel worked in hospital and hospice settings advocating for patients utilizing the shared decision-making model of healthcare. 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!

Cody Kubiak's story is one of extraordinary resilience, faith, and hope. In this episode, we dive into his powerful journey—from childhood surgeries to receiving a kidney transplant and battling cancer. Through every trial, Cody has shown what it means to persevere and live with purpose. Hear firsthand how he turned hardship into hope, and discover why raising awareness for kidney donation is more important than ever. Dive deeper into Cody's story at kidneysquitwedont.com 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!

Kent Bresler shares his personal journey through kidney disease, including his experiences with a kidney transplant, dialysis, and the challenges he faced with a recent health scare. With a focus on resilience and the importance of regular medical check-ups, Kent offers insights into navigating life after a transplant and the significance of community support. Join us for an inspiring discussion that emphasizes the power of faith, advocacy, and the human spirit in overcoming life's hurdles. 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!

Join Kent Bressler in this deeply insightful episode of Kent's Kidney Stories as he welcomes Dan Holmes, a former U.S. Navy combat search and rescue operator, to discuss his remarkable journey through kidney disease. Listen in as Dan shares his experiences from the harrowing shipboard fire that led to his PTSD and subsequent diagnosis with membranous nephropathy, a rare and incurable kidney disease. Despite these challenges, Dan has become a passionate advocate for kidney disease awareness. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of resilience, advocacy, and hope! 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!