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 find ourselves solidly in the middle of a blustery Northern Michigan winter, the realities of the difficulties that our rural community faces in accessing transplant becomes even more stark. Even ostensibly straight-forward trips into town can quickly becomes dangerous, let alone a trip several hours away. These realities stress just how important Kidney Companions can be for our companion partners; whether it be  transporting patients downstate for follow-up appointments (as was done just two weeks ago to University of Michigan), accompanying patients to local appointments (as was done just last week for one of our patients trying to complete the final task for listing), or having a coffee meet-and-greet with one of our new companions (as will be done this week), the Kidney Companion volunteers continue to rise to the needs of the moment regardless of the season. Enjoy the winter weather and stay warm and safe out there!

We host a monthly drop in gathering 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 at Sleders Family Tavern:

Thursday, February 12
5-7

717 Randolph St, Traverse City, MI 49684

We would love more walkers!

Join us Tuesdays at 9:15 am and/or Wednesdays at 11 am for a casual walk with lovely company around the Commons or in the mall. Email molly@kidneycompanions.org for questions and whether you would like to be added to the group chat and be sure to not miss anything!