NN&I - May 2010
AFTERTHOUGHTS 56 Nephrology News & Issues May 2010www.nephronline.com Compiled by Rebecca ZumoffPKD Foundation uses donation to build website Promoting World Kidney Day'30 Rock' star spreads word about early detection The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation received funding recently to launch a new website for patient education from a donor whose wife needed a transplant. "The current information out there is hard to find and understand," the donor said. "Help see what you can do to cut through the clutter." The result is KidneyLink.org, which is directed at patients with chronic kidney disease and designed to help take some of the fear and con-fusion out of the kidney transplant process. The site includes informa-tion about the types of transplants, paired donation programs, tips on how to talk to others about a need for a transplant, and a "Transplant Center Finder." To find a transplant center, an individual types in their ZIP code, and the finder locates nearby centers with key statistics about each one."Grizz" Chapman is used to playing a supporting part on the Emmy award-win-ning NBC show "30 Rock" as a member of actor Tracy Morgan's entourage. But now Chapman is taking on a leading role as a spokesman for the National Kidney Foundation. The alarm was sounded for the hypertensive father of two a little more than two years ago when a blood test confirmed he had protein in his urine. It wasn't long before he spiraled into congestive heart failure, and then kidney failure. Chapman plans to spread the word about the need for early detection for kid-ney disease and the shortage of donor organs. Chapman, who shoots "30 Rock" while undergoing dialysis treatment three times a week, says he is urging people to "take care of your health even when you feel good. Especially, keep your blood pressure under control and pay attention to your urine. If it's foamy, that's not a good sign and you need to check out your kidneys.""Grizz" Chapman (on left) and 30 Rock co-star Dotcom at the 2009 New York City Kidney Walk. World Kidney Day 2010 focused on diabetes, the number one cause of end-stage renal disease. The renal com -munity, including patient groups and dialysis providers, did its part to spread awareness. The National Kidney Foundation \037 affiliates offered free screenings. The Renal Support Network hosted \037 a Twitter chat for anyone with a chron -ic disease, their family or caregivers. Satellite Healthcare's new page on \037 Facebook to celebrate WKD offers short videos about the roles kidneys play in overall health, as well as infor -mation about free Better Life Wellness classes offered at Satellite Healthcare's WellBound centers. DaVita Inc. announced the launch \037 of YourKidneys.com, an educational website where patients can use social networking forum to ask questions, make comments and get to know oth-ers in the kidney community. A panel of DaVita health experts is available to answer questions, and additional edu -cational materials cover a variety of topics, including diet and nutrition. In honor of National Kidney Month \037 in March, Fresenius Medical Care North America recognized 31 patients across the United States for their dedication to their dialysis treatment programs, positive attitudes in the face of chronic illness, and the inspiration they provide to other patients.Alonzo Mourning joined with \037 Kidney Care Partners on Capitol Hill to emphasize kidney disease educa-tion, improved patient choice for dial-ysis care, and access to transplant medications. Northwest Kidney Centers employees and Sidney, the non-profit dialysis provider's mascot, greet passers-by in downtown Seattle in celebration of World Kidney Day on March 11. Afterthoughts_NNI0510_4.indd 56 4/19/10 10:12:34 AM
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