Testimonials

Testimonials - Letter from a dialysis social worker

In February, Nicole Pinkerton, Program Director of the One-on-One Renal Disease Education Program received a letter from a dialysis social worker stating the following: “I have nothing but the highest praises for the One-on-One Project from my patients and staff. We see the difference that this education is making in our patients. When I tell you that this program has saved a man’s life, I am speaking literally; and I am grateful. I tried for months to help this man to think of something to hope for. That something was this program. Thank you once again, and congratulations to you and your staff for providing such a wonderful service to the dialysis population. With this knowledge, you are giving hope to all dialysis patients you touch. I hope this program is around for years to come.”

Ron Taubman, Peer Educator, President of Transplant Recipients International for Ventura County

“There wasn’t a program like this seven years ago when I underwent my kidney/pancreas transplant. The only information I received was a one day orientation at the hospital where I was transplanted. Being able to help prepare and educate people who are about to undergo a life changing procedure is very rewarding. Many transplant patients are given most of their critical care information in regards to their medicine and post transplant care in the days following the surgery. This is not beneficial to them since they are dealing with their recovery and are not fully coherent as to what is being explained to them.

Ron received his kidney/pancreas transplant from a 20-year-old deceased donor. He had been undergoing dialysis for several years with no successful results. He is extremely active in the transplant community. He is currently the President of Transplant Recipients International Organization, Inc. (TRIO) for Ventura County – West San Fernando Valley Chapter and Vice President for TRIO National, sits on the Board of Directors and acts as a Council Member for the Southern California Renal Disease Council, and is a Region 5 Representative for the OPTN/UNOS Pancreas Committee.

Claudia Sanchez-Ruiz, Peer Educator

“I saw a need for Spanish-speaking patients to get more informed about dialysis and caring for themselves because many had no support and were unable to communicate to their healthcare team”

In April 2008, Claudia celebrated the third anniversary of her combined kidney/pancreas transplant in which her kidneys failed two years prior to her transplant due to Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.

Before becoming a Peer Educator, Claudia was actively involved in speaking to dialysis patients on her own about the benefits of receiving a transplant. With the assistance of some dedicated social workers, she started a support group for dialysis patients in the San Fernando Valley.

Claudia had a passion for staying active but due to her diabetes and kidney failure, she could not exercise as much as she wished to. After her transplant, she had the energy and physical stamina that she lacked before.

On March 1, 2008, Claudia finished the Los Angeles Marathon in five hours and 48 minutes while wearing “Donate Life” to promote organ donation. This was her first full marathon and she has completed three half-marathons this past year. She is now training for a triathlon.

As a Peer Educator, Claudia stresses to dialysis patients the importance of being proactive in their healthcare and maintaining their health through diet and exercise. Patients respond well to her because they know that she has experienced dialysis, been through the transplant process, and now is healthy and very physically active.

Sergio Gomez, Peer Educator

“It’s all about having the emotional strength to actively pursue a second chance at living a better life. The dialysis patients and I work together as a team to make the educational process as easy and informative as possible.”

Sergio Gomez, a Peer Educator for over a year, was lucky enough to receive his new kidney from his sister. Also an ambassador to OneLegacy, Southern California’s Organ Procurement Organization (OPO), Sergio serves as a role model to those patients looking for treatment options when kidney disease or failure is diagnosed.

Vivien Gonzales, Peer Educator

“Being a part of this program and being able to talk to others about my experience has made me feel good about myself. I believe that I have helped out many people who didn’t even know about the option of transplantation.”

Vivien Gonzales was transplanted after 18 months of dialysis, with a kidney from a 10-year-old boy who died drowning trying to save his sister in a backyard pool.

Brenda Way, Peer Educator

“Having an opportunity to give back to the community is a wonderful experience. I am grateful to have the knowledge and experience of having already gone through my kidney and pancreas transplant, in order to help those who are contemplating transplantation.

Having overcome many obstacles in her life, including blindness, Brenda was transplanted after one year of being on dialysis. She has been a great source of inspiration for those who have had the opportunity to participate in the program with her.