What does it really mean to be a caregiver?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Marc Coronel sits down with Saide Sanchez. a wife, mother, and dedicated caregiver navigating the realities of loving someone through kidney disease and long-term dialysis.

For over seven years, Saide has stood beside her husband through the highs and lows of treatment, all while holding her family together. But behind that strength is a story rarely told the silent fear, the emotional burnout, the identity shift, and the resilience it takes to keep going when life changes overnight.

This conversation goes beyond the surface.

It dives into:

• The emotional toll of caregiving
• Cultural challenges within the healthcare system
• The gaps in patient and caregiver support
• The power of advocacy, faith, and community

Saide also shares how this journey has reshaped her perspective on life, purpose, and what it truly means to show up for the people you love.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or someone seeking to better understand this journey, this episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you that you are not alone.

Because caregivers may live in fear… but they keep moving forward.

Guest Spotlight
Saide Sanchez
Executive Management Professional | Marketing Strategist | Certified Health Coach | Wellness & Holistic Management Expert
🔗 linkedin.com/in/saidesofia

https://nkr.org/RWZ779

https://www.facebook.com/1494656588/posts/pfbid02RtBmDJLufPxs6n3Agu1mmna62QdVQsewkMEfowwUvNvBereCxjZxq8F3uo94cgThl/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this episode of the Nephluence Project Podcast, Marc Coronel sits down with filmmaker Donald Griswold to discuss his documentary Abundant, a film that shines a light on the powerful real-life stories of kidney donors and transplant recipients.

Through deeply personal narratives, Abundant explores the courage, generosity, and life-changing impact of living kidney donation. Donald shares how the film came to life, the moments that shaped its message, and why authentic storytelling plays such a vital role in raising awareness about kidney disease and transplant.

Marc and Donald dive into the emotional realities behind donation and transplantation from the fears and challenges patients face to the extraordinary compassion of individuals who choose to give the gift of life. They also discuss how storytelling can unite communities, inspire advocacy, and encourage more people to consider living donation.

Whether you are part of the kidney community, a patient or donor, a healthcare advocate, or someone who believes in the power of meaningful stories, this conversation offers insight into how film can educate, inspire, and spark real change.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that generosity, resilience, and courage often begin with one simple act: sharing your story.

Topics include:

• The inspiration behind Abundant

• The filmmaking journey and capturing real donor and recipient stories

• Authentic storytelling in kidney advocacy

• The emotional impact of living kidney donation

• Why stories help build awareness and community

• How storytelling can inspire hope and action for patients and families facing kidney disease

Most people think kidney donation begins in a hospital.
It doesn’t.

In this episode of The Nephluence Project, kidney transplant recipient and patient advocate Marc Coronel sits down with Shawna Robinson, the living kidney donor behind his transplant, to tell the truth about what living donation actually looks like.

This is not a story about miracles or heroism.
It’s a story about choice.

You’ll hear what rarely makes the headlines: the quiet decisions, the internal questions, the difficult conversations, and the personal values that shape someone’s willingness to step forward without pressure, without recognition, and without obligation.

Together, Marc and Shawna explore:

• What living kidney donation is really like

• The emotional and human side of transplant stories

• Why advocacy begins long before a microphone or operating room

• How integrity, not urgency, creates real impact

Whether you’re a kidney patient, a caregiver, someone curious about living donation, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of courage and human influence, this episode offers clarity, truth, and perspective.

This conversation isn’t here to persuade you.
It’s here to tell the truth.

Listen, reflect, and share, because stories like this don’t end when the episode does. They echo.

Welcome to Nephluence Project, a podcast where patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare leaders come together to explore kidney disease from every perspective. I’m Marc Coronel, TEDx Speaker, Author, Healthcare Consultant, and Patient Advocate advancing patient-centered storytelling in healthcare and policy.

This podcast is designed to give you real, honest conversations about kidney disease, dialysis, transplant journeys, patient advocacy, and how communication and influence can improve outcomes for everyone affected. Each episode dives into lived experiences, actionable insights, and systemic solutions, helping patients and professionals navigate this complex landscape with clarity and confidence.

Whether you are living with kidney disease, caring for a loved one, or working in healthcare, Nephluence Project provides a platform where your voice matters and where shared understanding can drive real change. You will hear stories from patients, insights from clinicians, perspectives from caregivers, and innovation updates from researchers and policy leaders.

This trailer gives you a taste of what’s to come: inspiring stories, practical guidance, and conversations designed to empower, educate, and connect the kidney community like never before. We focus on bridging the gap between lived experience and healthcare expertise, creating a space where everyone affected by kidney disease can be heard and understood.

Before we begin, a quick note: Nephluence Project is a podcast for education, conversation, and shared perspective. The content reflects personal experiences and professional insights and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team regarding your individual care.

Subscribe now to join the conversation and be part of a community dedicated to advancing patient-centered care, improving outcomes, and amplifying voices across the kidney ecosystem. This is Nephluence Project, where science knows the data, and patients know the impact.

Back for a second time, Dan Holmes is a former U.S. Navy Combat Search and Rescue operator turned international rare kidney disease advocate. A 2024 NephCure Impact Award recipient, Dan was diagnosed with MN in 2020 and has fought tirelessly for better recognition and treatment of rare kidney diseases, especially within the VA system. His advocacy has taken him to the FDA, NIH, and Capitol Hill, where he’s pushed for legislative change.

A survivor of multiple strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and medical setbacks, Dan’s resilience and determination have led him to partial remission. He continues to raise awareness and fight for policy change, proving that advocacy can save lives.

Welcome to The Kidney Fighter Show. I’m Marc Coronel. This show is for anyone who’s been touched by kidney disease whether you’re the one fighting, a caregiver, or someone who just wants to understand more about what this journey is like.

I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, especially when it comes to something as painful and isolating as kidney disease. My hope is that by sharing my own story, struggles, triumphs, pain, you’ll feel less alone, and maybe, you can take action on the life we were given.

Today, I want to share with you what The Kidney Fighter show is all about and how my journey with kidney disease has shaped not only who I am today but also how I want to help others. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about living, fighting, and never giving up.

Andy Lamont, A personal trainer in Sydney Australia with over 20 years of experience in the industry. A former NSW state and Australian bodybuilding champion.

In 2012 Andy suffered a severe cervical spine injury which led to him stopping competitive bodybuilding and led the overuse of Nurofen to ease the pain. This use of Nurofen led subsequently to kidney failure.

Although feeling tired and not quite right continued to work until he ended up in ICU with extremely high potassium and creatinine levels he was finally placed on dialysis.

He has now been on dialysis for 2 1/2 years and continues his training business around his treatment sessions.