It is with a heavy heart that Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) and the DPC Education Center learned of the passing of former Board Member, Diane Brisbane.
Diane grew up in the South Jamaica section of Queens, NY and was raised in a household and community that taught family first and service to others. This is the mindset with which she pursued life. After getting her start as a nurses’ aide, she eventually advanced to EKG technician, and later to supervisor of the EKG department, and finally retired after 37 years of service. During the course of her career, she served on various committees to improve employee relations, educate employees, and unite the hospital and community, and was recognized for the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation’s achievement award for bringing diversity to the work force, among other awards.
She committed much of her life to being a parent to her two children and to being actively involved in the local community and took immense pride in those roles. When she suffered a stroke in 2004, her life in those roles was threatened. A few months later, she lost vision in both eyes, and in 2005, she was diagnosed with acute renal failure.
While Diane’s life changed dramatically, she remained incredibly positive and never lost hope. Surrounded by the love and support of her family, she made it through those tough times and came out ready to make an impact on anyone she could help. In 2010, Diane joined the Board of DPC and quickly jumped into a leadership position, serving as Secretary for a number of years. She was also active on both the Public Policy and Education Committees. When DPC formed its affiliate organization the DPC Education Center, Diane was among the first to volunteer to help. She became a regular participant on the Monthly Kidney Chats, inspiring others with her positive outlook. Diane also hosted a monthly support group and educational meetings at her church to help those in need in her local community.
We are profoundly grateful for Diane’s tireless dedication and effort to improve the lives of kidney patients. She will be greatly missed on the DPC and Education Center Boards, as well as by the larger kidney community.
