News & Events
Beyond Dialysis 2008
About 821 people -- 428 dialysis patients and their guests -- enjoyed a wonderful lunch, educational displays and an inspiring speaker at NKF-MD's third Beyond Dialysis event, held on October 5 at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore.
Keynote speaker Claudie J. Thomas, DSW, shared his own experience of living with kidney disease and enjoying a full life -- "beyond dialysis and with no limits," in his words.
Thomas, a professor of social work at Morgan State University, has been on dialysis for 25 years. He obtained his doctoral degree while on dialysis.
"I think most dialysis patients have enormous inner strength," said Thomas. "Look at what we endure."
He told the audience that the keys to facing the challenges of dialysis include: support from family and friends, spirituality, a sense of humor, inner strength and a positive sense of self.
"Whatever your situation in life," he said, "you should be proud of who you are."
He encouraged guests to make time to do what they enjoy and what they do well, whether it be arts and crafts, music, homemaking, or socializing.
NKF-MD thanks the organizations that underwrote Beyond Dialysis this year: The Charles T. Bauer Foundation, Aetna Foundation, AMGEN, WATSON Nephrology, DaVita Inc., University of Maryland Medical Center Division of Transplantation and Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Transplant Center.
NKF President Allan Collins, M.D., visits Baltimore
The president of the National Kidney Foundation, Allan J. Collins, M.D., came to Baltimore Sept. 24 to discuss the growing incidence of end-stage renal disease around the world, and the strong connection between chronic kidney disease and diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
From left: NKF-MD Past President Larry Snyder, NKF-MD President Marlene Manfra, NKF President Allan J. Collins
Historically, global public health attention has focused on communicable diseases, Collins said. But now more than half of deaths around the world are due to chronic, non-communicable diseases, many of which are preventable through lifestyle changes.
"Thirty-six million lives can be saved," he said, "if we focus on chronic disease."
The NKF should shift its focus away from ESRD, he said, and instead concentrate on early awareness, detection and treatment. Most of the people in the world with cardiovascular disease also have kidney disease, Collins said. "Targeting the CKD population with diabetes and hypertension will yield the best results," he added.
Upcoming KEY Screenings
Learn about 2009 KEY Screening dates and locations.
Delmarva Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournament
The 2009 Delmarva Cadillac Invitational will take place on Saturday, June 6 at Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club in Berlin, Md.
Baltimore Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournament
The 2009 Baltimore Cadillac Invitational will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at Bulle Rock in Havre de Grace, Maryland.
Gift of Life Gala
Our 23rd Annual Gift of Life Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore on Saturday, November 22.
