The Helping Equal Access to Registration for Transplant (HEART) Act is being considered by the New York State Assembly and Senate. The proposal would allow people waiting for an organ transplant to be listed at more than one transplant center in New York. Advocates of the change say it would shorten waiting times for transplant candidates, leading to more successful transplants and saving lives.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes is sponsoring the proposal. She and transplant surgeon Dr. Liise Kayler spoke in Albany on the benefits of multi-listing.

In part 2 of this continuing miniseries with Jim Urtel of Batavia, NY, we'll talk about complications following his kidney transplant and why he's now hoping for a second transplant.

In this episode, we’ll talk about kidney failure catching Jim Urtel by surprise and his experience with dialysis. In the next episode, we’ll get into Jim’s kidney transplant and some of the reasons his journey became more complicated than expected.

Paul Kupiec is well known in his hometown of North Tonawanda, but friends and neighbors might not be aware that he’s awaiting a kidney transplant. After years of diabetes, Paul found himself in end stage renal disease. He's listed for transplant at Erie County Medical Center.

#DonateLife #KidneyTransplant #AKidneyForKoop

When Katy Cooper planned the ribbon cutting for Coop's Red Caboose in Arcade, NY, she saw an opportunity to celebrate living kidney donation and help others.

This episode also includes a word from Team Buffalo Captain Traci Krist about the Transplant Games of America, an update on the Living Donor Protection Act, and a segment from the NIDDK about lupus nephritis.

#DonateLife #LivingKidneyDonation #Transplant

Melanie Motz learned about living kidney donation through a friend's family. When a Lake View, NY neighbor was in need, Melanie chose to become a donor, something she calls the best decision of her life.

#DonateLifeMonth #DonateLife #LivingKidneyDonation

Tanesha Adams received a diagnosis of kidney disease in 2018 and had a kidney transplant at Erie County Medical Center in 2020. She shares her journey and lessons learned along the way, encouraging others to know about their health and treatment options. 

We also have a segment from the NIDDK's Healthy Moments program about mental health and people with chronic illnesses. 

Kidney Conversations is a podcast from the Kidney Foundation of Western New York. In each episode, we talk about kidney health and share stories to inspire and educate our community. Learn more at www.kfwny.org.

#DonateLife #Kidney #Transplant

Diana Leising received a kidney transplant at Erie County Medical Center in April 2022. She was excited to receive a kidney transplant so she'd have the chance to see her youngest son graduate from high school. Diana's faith is important to her and helped to sustain her during her battle with kidney disease and her wait for a transplant. In this interview, Diana talks about her experiences and why a transplant was the right choice for her.

We also have a segment from the NIDDK's Healthy Moments program with advice on how to ask questions of your doctor.

Kidney Conversations is a podcast from the Kidney Foundation of Western New York. In each episode, we talk about kidney health and share stories to inspire and educate our community. Learn more at www.kfwny.org. 

#DonateLife #Kidney #Transplant