Thank you for being part of our Kidney Companions community. Here we will provide updates, highlight the people within Kidney Companions, and share stories and actions you can take in a broader community.

We have had numerous successes in the last couple of months that we want to highlight. The advocacy, trust, and companionship that has been exemplified by our Kidney Companion volunteers truly exemplifies how the spirit of community and friendship can help meet the needs of patients seeking kidney transplant. And without a doubt, we are achieving our mission of increasing access to kidney transplants in Northern Michigan.

• Kidney Companions have been incredible in their local support and advocacy of one of our newer kidney partners. Kidney Companions have ensured that our kidney partner has made it to several local appointments, in preparation for transplant listing. Some of the appointments unexpectedly lasted several hours, but the team was there the whole time in support. The team also facilitated a wonderful Easter celebration for their kidney partner, not only ensuring she made it to her community church but also attending with her. Way to go Kidney Companions!

• Kidney Companions went bowling with their kidney partner. After much encouragement and several weeks of feeling better, our kidney partner has taken an interest in picking up bowling again. Something much loved to him but also something he had not been able to do for a long time. The team suggested a fun afternoon of bowling; the match was close but ultimately our kidney partner pulled out the victory in the 10th frame.

• A new kidney transplant! A patient in Kalkaska received a new kidney in April, and Kidney Companions was able to jump into action. The team has been instrumental in these first several challenging weeks, including amazing advocacy at the U of M hospital (staying with him the whole time, even during an unexpected re-hospitalization). The team has made several trips back down state for his appointments, with more to come.

Join us at Rare Bird — a Pour for More venue.

On the second Thursday of each month, we gather for all who are interested in learning about Kidney Companions. We will always have an existing volunteer there for you to ask questions and listen to their experience. This is a great time to explore your interest in becoming a volunteer or invite someone who you think would be interested.

Our next gathering will be:

Thursday May 11th

5-7 at Rare Bird Brewpub

229 Lake Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684

On Point — an NPR produced podcast you can find on Apple Podcasts/Spotify — put out an in depth story last week about living with kidney disease, waiting for a transplant, some of the added challenges to rural populations, and troubles in the current transplant system.

We included highlights of the transplant system changes in our last newsletter. The episode connects the changes to real life stories.