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As the wildfires continue to profoundly affect communities in the Los Angeles area, Dialysis Patient Citizens extends its heartfelt support to all who are impacted by this devastating crisis. Thousands of structures have been affected, over 200,000 residents have been displaced, and to date, at least 27 people have lost their lives. Government officials, including Governor Newsom, have issued emergency declarations as the fires intensified, allowing for rapid deployment of resources to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. While some of you may not live in the immediate area of the wildfires, we understand that many of you may work, travel, or have loved ones affected by this disaster. Please know that DPC values each of you and wants to ensure you are safe and well.
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DPC Welcomes New Digital Marketing and Social Media Manager – Megan Leonard |
Megan Leonard is the Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager at Dialysis Patient Citizens, where she applies her digital communications expertise to enhance the organization’s visibility and engagement. Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Information Sciences from the University of Alabama (2020) and a Master of Science in Communication from Lasell University (2021). |
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Dialysis Patient Citizens Mourns the Passing of Former Board Member Erich Ditschman |
It is with a heavy heart that DPC Board, staff, and volunteers learned of the unexpected passing of one of our former Board Members, Erich Ditschman, on January 1, 2025. Erich was originally from Nyak, New York, but later moved to Michigan where he met his wife, completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and raised his family.
Advocacy was always at the heart of what Erich did – first as an environmental scientist advocating for river and watershed resources, then as a patient advocate for kidney disease after receiving a diagnosis of end stage renal disease in 2001.
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Patient Ambassador Spotlight: |
Check out our Patient Ambassador Spotlight, where we highlight members who elevate the voices of people with kidney disease.
This month’s Spotlight is on Chuck Lizer from Winnemucca, Nevada.
Twelve years ago, Chuck went to his doctor because he was feeling ill, only to find out that his kidneys were actually failing, and he would need to go on dialysis. Like many other end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, this came as a shock, and because Chuck didn’t have health insurance when he started dialysis, he enrolled in Medicare. Medicare only covers 80% of the costs associated with care though, so again, like many other ESRD patients, this caused financial challenges on top of what was already a challenging healthcare journey.
ESRD patients who have private insurance still endure economic hardships though, especially with a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows insurance providers to force patients onto Medicare almost immediately. Instead of keeping their insurance for 30 months after beginning treatment, allowing for a smoother transition where they can focus more on their health, patients have to worry about covering the 20% of costs left on the table by Medicare. Chuck is calling on Congressman Mark Amodei (R-NV) to pass H.R. 6860 - The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act and protect dialysis patients’ access to private insurance so patients don’t have to choose between their health and affording care. Patient Ambassadors represent DPC by serving as leaders in their community and local dialysis facilities. Learn more about this critical role and make a difference in the lives of dialysis patients by applying for DPC's Patient Ambassador program. |
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