Local Police Officer and Dialysis Patient Honored for His Efforts to Improve Kidney Patients’ Quality of Life

Fort Gibson Patient Advocate Receives Dialysis Patient Citizens Hero Award for
Serving as an Inspiration to Other Dialysis Patients in His Community  

FORT GIBSON, OK (September 15, 2009) – Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) – a nationwide, non-profit patient advocacy organization comprised of more than 23,000 dialysis and pre-dialysis patients and family members working to advance the quality of life of dialysis patients – presented Fort Gibson police officer Ron Garrett with its September 2009 DPC Hero Award today in recognition of his efforts to educate and inspire other dialysis patients in his community.

“In working full-time as a police officer while undergoing dialysis treatment three times a week, Ron is a particularly good example of how one can maintain a complete and active life while living with kidney failure,” said Chad Lennox, Executive Director of DPC.  “Furthermore, thanks to Ron’s dedication to educating his fellow patients about what to expect in entering dialysis treatment, these individuals are now better informed, more confident in their care and more empowered in knowing that they can still live a full life while on dialysis.”

Diagnosed with kidney failure in July 2008, Garrett has remained on full-time duty as a police officer while undergoing early morning dialysis treatments three times a week at 5:30 a.m.  In addition to working the night shift from 4:00 p.m. until midnight, Garrett stays busy by reaching out to new patients and their spouses at his dialysis facility in order to inform them of his own experiences and to ease their concerns about what to expect in treatment.  Garrett says that this first-hand information can make a positive impact on individuals’ transition onto dialysis.

“I’m proud to help educate others about the simple things you can do to maximize your dialysis care.  The more you follow your physician’s advice, the better you will feel, the longer you will survive and the better your lifestyle will be,” said Garrett.  “I am an example that by being informed about your condition, you can continue to accomplish great things while on dialysis –  and I hope that I have been able to inspire other kidney patients in our community to do just that.”


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More About the DPC Hero Award
The DPC Hero award is open to caregivers, nephrologists, family members, patients, and other members of the kidney community who have empowered themselves or others in the kidney community. It is given to reflect the spirit of the thousands of people whose efforts make a difference in the lives of others, whose stories often go untold.

Nominations for the DPC Hero award can be sent to dpc@dialysispatients.org or by contacting 1-866-877-4242.