I learned I had polycystic kidney disease just before my wedding. What followed was 13 years of dialysis, the loss of my husband before he could donate his
perfectly matched kidney, and years of fighting through grief, illness and uncertainty. Kidney disease affects entire families. In my case, because polycystic kidney disease is genetic, multiple relatives have faced dialysis. That’s why I became an advocate, a social worker and an educator. I’ve spent years writing books and hosting “The Lisa Baxter Show” to help patients understand how to care for themselves and navigate treatment.
perfectly matched kidney, and years of fighting through grief, illness and uncertainty. Kidney disease affects entire families. In my case, because polycystic kidney disease is genetic, multiple relatives have faced dialysis. That’s why I became an advocate, a social worker and an educator. I’ve spent years writing books and hosting “The Lisa Baxter Show” to help patients understand how to care for themselves and navigate treatment.Patients need more than dialysis. They need access to the newest therapies, educational resources and clinics equipped with modern tools that can improve outcomes and quality of life. Innovation in kidney care can mean better medications, improved dialysis technology, stronger transplant support and resources that help patients understand how to protect their health.
That’s why I’m urging Rep. Gregory Meeks and Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to support the Kidney Care Access Protection Act. This bipartisan bill would strengthen Medicare support for dialysis providers and expand access to innovative treatments for anemia and infection, as well as medications to lower phosphorus and antibodies to increase accessibility of transplants. For kidney patients, access to innovation is not a luxury. It is the difference between surviving and truly living well.
Lisa Baxter, Jamaica, New York
