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.

Our first Kidney Companion is reaching the significant six month post transplant date. He says he is feeling really good — back to working 4-5 days a week and says he is grateful for the quality of life improvement this year. Cheers to you, Robert, for investing in yourself and taking care of this wonderful gift. We look forward to celebrating!

We have another person who needs a new kidney making major headway in being listed for a transplant. Her newly formed Kidney Companions team met and made strong supporting connections almost immediately. After almost getting listed multiple times this is really encouraging to see.

And, we were informed this month that Trinity Health Michigan has awarded Kidney Companions a sponsorship to assist folks financially traveling to Grand Rapids for transplant! In their award letter, they said:

Trinity Health is committed to being a transforming and healing presence in the communities we serve. We look forward to supporting you.

Thank you!

Join us at Earthen Ales — 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 March 9th

5-7 at Earthen Ales (below the water tower in the Commons)

1371 Gray Dr., Suite 200, Traverse City, MI 49684

This year’s theme is particularly in line with Kidney Companions: Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable

World Kidney Day is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys.

World Kidney Day comes back every year. All across the globe many hundred events take place from public screenings in Argentina to Zumba marathons in Malaysia. We do it all to create awareness. Awareness about preventive behaviors, awareness about risk factors, and awareness about how to live with a kidney disease. We do this because we want kidney health for all.

World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology  (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations – World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA).

There are plenty of cool facts and information on how you can celebrate on their website.