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!