As we approach Thanksgiving this week, DPC would like to take a moment to thank all of our phenomenal Board Members, Patient Ambassadors, and kidney advocates for sharing their stories and fighting to improve the quality of life for dialysis and kidney transplant patients nationwide.
DPC Board Members Hasan Artharee and Ken Stephens recently shared videos on their kidney journeys and two important pieces of legislation that are currently in Congress that would have a major impact on patient quality of life.
As a fourth-generation PKD patient and the third in his family to undergo dialysis, Hasan knows firsthand the challenges kidney patients face. After years of treatment forced him to leave his job, his family lost essential insurance and had to rely on Medicaid. That’s why Hasan is sharing his story and calling on Congress to pass the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act (S.1173 / H.R.2199) to ensure patients can keep their private insurance as they begin dialysis and work toward a transplant.
Ken opened up about the challenges, resilience, and hope that have shaped his experience as a dialysis patient—and why protecting access to quality kidney care matters now more than ever. Ken is calling on our elected officials to support the Kidney Care Access Protection Act (KCAPA) (S.2730 / H.R. 9724), which is crucial legislation that helps ensure patients receive the treatment and support they need to live full, healthy lives.
Our incredible Patient Ambassadors are also sharing their stories. Jeff Banks of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Derek Powers of Union, Michigan, both shared their stories of how crucial it is for dialysis patients to be able to keep their private insurance coverage and need for Congress to pass the Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act (S.1173 / H.R.2199). Julie Nast of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, also wrote a letter to the editor on the need for the Kidney Care Access Protection Act (KCAPA) (S.2730 / H.R. 9724) and how it will help patients access desperately needed innovative therapies.
To read more of our incredible advocates’ stories and to learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our website: https://www.dialysispatients.org/get-involved/.
