Welcome and Happy Summer !

As we head into the big weekend with our 10th Annual Albany Kidney Walk and 5K for Kidneys this Sunday, June 9th, we are excited to launch our new kidney blog!  Sponsored by the Northeast Kidney Foundation, we will be offering all the voices and viewpoints involved in the journey of a life affected by kidney disease, most especially those of patients and their loved ones.

Our mission is articulated as working "... to improve the lives of those living with kidney disease and related conditions, to increase organ donation, and to empower those we serve to be effective voices for better health care both personally and at the local, state and federal levels." We hope this will be one way to serve that mission and the renal community by creating an opportunity for interactive discussion about all facets of a kidney life - and everything that means. So though it will be lead and moderated by our patient blogger Dena - who you will learn more about very soon - we will also hear from other patients, family members and care partners, as well as renal professionals involved in every phase of kidney care, before and after the start of treatment, whether it is a dialysis modality or transplant. We'll talk about diet, medications, advocacy and support and all the things that make a difference living with kidney disease.  We hope you will weigh in - add your experience, ask questions and share your own discoveries and concerns. We will also highlight all the activities and events offered by Northeast Kidney that can help you and your families live a best life even with a chronic illness like renal failure.

So ...are you ready to get your summer off to a great start ?  Join us - we have so much to share !  Our blogs will be published every Tuesday and Friday, so stop by and meet Dena - an experienced blogger and patient who has learned a great deal in the 14 years she has been dealing with this that she will begin to share.  And we bet some of what she talks about will sound like things you have gone through and dealt with as well- we can all help each other so much with mutual support.

Perhaps we'll see you at the Crossings Park this Sunday - the run starts at 8:30, the Walk steps off at 11am, and there will be lots of fun activities for kids of all ages, from clowns and pony rides to music and food.  Otherwise we will see you here next Tuesday, when Dena will introduce herself and begin to share her perspectives, including impressions from the Walk.  In the meantime, take care and stay well...