NN&I - April 2010
AFTERTHOUGHTS 48 Nephrology News & Issues April 2010www.nephronline.com plants, joins other players who have already taken the pledge, including Frank Vizza, Lee Childs, Matt Glantz, and PPI Founder Eugene Castro. "Kidney disease is extremely diffi-cult," Harman said. "It is invisible and it affects kids and adults alike. NephCure is trying to find an answer and I'm here to help by joining All-in for a Cure." Compiled by Rebecca ZumoffFresenius honors patient role modelsProfessional poker players are betting on a cure by donating portion of winnings DaVita launches social networking site for kidney patients HOPEline receives grant from AmgenA case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana who edu-cates himself and fellow dialysis patients about their disease and its treatment; a peritoneal dialysis patient who works full-time in finance and helps home-school his children; a woman who inspires other patients with her poetry and works as an office assistant at her dialysis center -- these are a few of the 31 Fresenius Medical Care North America patients who were honored in March for National Kidney Month. "...We are pleased to honor these 31 patients who demonstrate that people Professional poker player Jennifer Harman, the only woman with two World Series of Poker bracelets, was the latest to take the Poker Players International (PPI) "All-in for a Cure" pledge and said she will donate 1% of her earnings to The NephCure Foundation. Harman, who suffers from kidney disease and has had two trans-DaVita Inc. announced the launch of YourKidneys.com, a website where patients can use a social networking forum to ask questions, make com-ments, and get to know others in the kidney community. DaVita kicked off its efforts to raise awareness during National Kidney Month and on World Kidney Day, March 11. A panel of DaVita health experts is available to answer questions, and additional educational materials cover a variety of topics. The Amgen Foundation announced that it has approved a challenge grant of $150,000 to Renal Support Network to support its HOPEline, the organiza-tion's toll-free hotline. The grant was issued in the form of a challenge to help RSN build its base of financial support and introduce RSN to new funders. The Amgen Foundation has provided an initial gift of $100,000 and will contribute $50,000 to RSN upon with CKD can lead well-rounded, fulfilling lives," said Rice Powell, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America. "Many suc-cessful long-term dialysis patients are self-reliant people who have embraced their treatment program, and want to live as normal a life as possible." Patients were nominated by their care-givers and their peers. Some are active in kidney foundations and community organizations, while others take an active role in their clinics. Some patients man-age to work full-time in addition to their treatment schedules. Patient stories are posted at www.ultracare-dialysis.com. the organization raising $250,000 from other donors."With supporters such as the Amgen Foundation, RSN can contin-ue to instill hope, health, and happi-ness into the lives of those affected by chronic kidney disease," said Lori Hartwell, founder of RSN. HOPEline is a toll-free hotline for CKD patients and their loved ones. Callers are connected with a long-term survivor who can answer questions and provide encouragement, support, and resources. "Often newly diagnosed people do not know where to turn," Hartwell said. "And navigating the day-to-day issues of CKD can be daunting, even for experienced patients. HOPEline offers the opportu-nity to speak with a veteran patient who has been (through what) the caller has and can share valuable insights from his or her own experiences." Afterthoughts_NNI0410_4.indd 48 3/18/10 3:52:35 PM
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