"Wow" is just about the only word I can use to describe my second week of dialysis. The second week was one that was both smooth and painfully gut-wrenching all the same. READ MORE >>

Today was my first day of dialysis at the local dialysis clinic. I have been waiting on this day for a long time and I realized once I got here that you can never truly prepare yourself for what you are about to experience. READ MORE >>

A diagnosis of kidney failure is life-changing. Because kidney failure has no cure, patients need dialysis or a transplant to live, and the vast majority of patients will be on dialysis. READ MORE >>

Five years ago I learned that my kidneys had failed and I would need to start dialysis to survive. Soon after, I found myself dealing with the sudden death of my mother. Dealing with these two sudden, devastating events at the same time was very challenging and I wasn’t sure how to make things work. READ MORE >>

I’ve had kidney disease for half my life, and I have worked hard to do what I needed to in spite of it—graduating high school, college and graduate school, and pursuing my career in education. READ MORE >>

Kaiser Health News recently reported on new research that provides a fresh perspective on the importance of preventive care, early detection and access to nephrologists in improving outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). READ MORE >>

Recently the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will investigate possible inappropriate efforts by providers of dialysis services to steer patients eligible for Medicare and Medicaid into insurance plans paid for by third parties. We think this is an important issue and we fully support the effort to make sure that there is no room for undue influence over patients in choosing their insurance. READ MORE >>

Ever since I was four years old, I have been living with kidney failure. My experiences led me to pursue a master’s degree and become a Child Life Specialist—someone who normalizes the hospital environment for children and their families. READ MORE >>

National Minority Awareness Day has since become National Minority Awareness Week, and we observe it the first week of August every year. This special observance honors minorities who have been donors, and encourages others to register as donors and take better care of their health in order to reduce the number needing a transplant. The number one problem in transplantation remains the shortage of organs. READ MORE >>

Nine years at stage 3 CKD and holding—Gail Rae-Garwood shares her experience about slowing down CKD. READ MORE >>

Managing your fluids is an important part of living with kidney failure. If you’re on dialysis, these tips can help you beat the summer heat without overdoing your fluids. READ MORE >>

Summertime is here and if you are like most people, you are ready for a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. Vacation anyone? But what if you are a dialysis patient? Can you still take a vacation? The answer is an absolute, positive, without a doubt YES!!! All it takes is a little planning and preparation, so let’s get started… READ MORE >>