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.

 As we celebrate our independence this month of July, it is worth also remembering the burdens and limitations of living in kidney failure. Although many people still often enjoy a high level of independence afforded by the different types of dialysis therapies (whether doing dialysis at home, overnight, or in a center), the liberations that come with a kidney transplant reach across all aspects of life. Perhaps most notable is the freedom of time and flexibility granted by a kidney transplant. Although people living with a kidney transplant still have substantial self-care and medical needs, in most cases, more than 15 hours per week (which would be dedicated to dialysis) is freed up. Additionally, kidney transplants provide a freedom from the severe fluid and dietary restrictions required of people living on dialysis as these patients may have daily fluid restrictions as low as 1 liter (32 ounces) and must very carefully - with tremendous effort and vigilance - watch sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake. Finally, the mental burden of living on dialysis cannot be overlooked – not just the anxiety and uncertainty that comes with undergoing an imperfect chronic therapy but also the cognitive burden of juggling all the logistics and complications that arise from dialysis. So as we give thanks this month for all the freedoms we enjoy, let us remember our mission at Kidney Companions as we seek to enhance kidney transplants and the freedoms they gift.

Join us outside in the Commons!

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, July 11th

5-7 at a picnic table in the Commons (by the bocce ball courts)

806 Red Dr Suite #100, Traverse City, MI 49684

This is the address of Left Foot Charlie, which is across from the bocce ball courts

Looking ahead in 2024 tentative locations for Convos with Kidney Companions:

• Aug 8: same as July, picnic table in the Commons by the bocce ball courts in front of Left Foot Charlie & Higher Grounds, with Left Foot Charlie or Earthen Ales as a backup for rain

• Sep 12: Silver Spruce

• Oct 10: Silver Spruce

• Nov 14: Silver Spruce

• Dec 12: Silver Spruce

Join us for a walk! We have been gathering twice a week (Tuesdays at 9:15 am and Wednesdays at 11 am) for a casual stroll, enjoying fresh air and pleasant company. All are welcome of all abilities. Email molly@kidneycompanions.org to let us know if you would ever like to join us.