Birmingham – October 4, 2015 — 12:00 Birmingham – October 4, 2015 – 12:00 p.m.St. Vincent’s HospitalBruno Conference Center806 St. Vincent’s Dr.Birmingham, AL 35205For more information: lacey@alkidney.org or (205) 382-6080

Mobile — TBA For more information: becki@alkidney.org or (251) 455-2123

Huntsville — TBA For more information: stephanie@alkidney.org (256) 975-0000

Montgomery — TBA For more information: renae@alkidney.org (334) 430-8716

Check soon for more information on conference topics and how toregister at www.alkidney.org.

PO Box 12505 Birmingham, AL 35202www.alkidney.org

In YourNeighborhoodibm,.

Please contact the offices listed below to learn about Foundation activities in your area.

BIRMINGHAM STATE OFFICEE. W. “Jack” Jackson, III, Executive Director

2012 University Boulevard, Suite 164Birmingham, AL 35233

Phone: 205-934-2111 • Toll Free: 800-750-3331 • Fax: 205-975-6682

BIRMINGHAM REGIONAL OFFICELacey Updegraff, Regional Director

2012 University Boulevard, Suite 164Birmingham, AL 35233

Phone 205-382-6080 • Fax: 205-975-6682

MOBILE REGIONAL OFFICEBecki Connally, Regional Director

P. O. Box 8481Mobile, AL 36689

Phone 251-455-2123 • Fax: 866-488-4127

HUNTSVILLE REGIONAL OFFICE131 Memorial Parkway • P.O. Box 18593

Huntsville, AL 35804Phone: 256-975-0000

MONTGOMERY REGIONAL OFFICERenae Thompson, Regional Director

441 High Street, Suite BMontgomery, AL 36104Phone: 334-241-000312

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidBirmingham, ALPermit 3578

Find us on FACEBOOK

Be sure to “Like” our Fan Page by going towww.facebook.com/alabamakidneyfoundation

Patient Education Conferences 2105

WHAT’S

HAPP

ENING...

SUMMER 2105

Kidney Keynotes

2015 Kidney Walk Results .............pages 3-7

Patient Spotlight.................................page 8

Medicine Matters................................page 9

Volunteer Spotlight...........................page 10

Memorials/Honorariums ..................page 11

2015 Kidney Walks Raise $486,000!For More Details about the Regional Walks...

Turn to Page 3.

“Save theDate”2015 Patient Education

Conferences!

Birmingham PEC ConferenceSunday, October 4, 2015

12:00 p.m. St. Vincent's Hospital

Bruno Conference Center806 St. Vincent's Dr.Birmingham, AL 35205

Dates and locations for the Huntsville, Mobile, and MontgomeryPatient Education Conferences

To Be Announced.

For more information, please contact your Regional Office.

Special Thanks for Participation of the EventNorthview High School Students and Faculty; Fort Rucker MilitaryVolunteers Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine; Alabama PowerService Organization-Farley Nuclear Plant; and DJ Grant

Thank you to the following Corporate Sponsors fortheir support of the event:

Corporate Patrons ($5,000+)DaVita DialysisMercedes of Dothan

Corporate Friends ($2,500 +)DCI, Inc.Dothan Hypertension Nephrology

Corporate Supporter ($1,000+)Flowers HospitalRenal HypertensionSanofiSoutheast Medical CenterWiregrass Vascular

Corporate Backer ($500+)AAA Cooper TransportationAlabama Power Service OrganizationAmeris BankBarloventoDothan Oncology SupplyHealth SouthLBA AssociatesMallenkrodtPentecWhitehurst General Surgery

Special Thanks Media SponsorsWTVY -TV

Mission:The Alabama Kidney Foundationserves kidney patients by providing financial assistance, education and support services. The Foundation provides public education to promoteawareness of organ donation and prevention of kidney disease.

STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEMBERS EDITORIAL BOARD

E. W. “Jack” Jackson, III, Executive Director

Diane Alessio, Business Manager

Ann Dyer, Program Assistant

Rebecca Smith, Development and Communications Director

REGIONAL OFFICES STAFFBecki Connally, Mobile Regional Director

Stephanie Lowe, Huntsville Regional Director

Renae Thompson, Montgomery Regional Director

Lacey Updegraff, Birmingham Regional Director

Marilyn Henry, President

Norman Dixon, 2nd Vice President

Frank K. Battle, Treasurer

Jerry F. Bartlett, JDSabrina G. Bessette, MDMelissa BeukelmanSuzanne BirdJennifer ClarkAngus R. Cooper, IIGwen Deierhoi, RNSusan Gaston, RNJoe GehrdesBobby GinnLaura GlazeDeborah GrimesMelanie Halvorson, MDMark C. HenryJacquese M. HillCatina JamesWilliam Bibb Lamar, MDDonna LawsonJames A. Miller, PhDRodney MoonAnn Rayburn, RNEd SaulsJames M. Smelser, MDDavid SweetMartha Tankersley, RNMargaret Tresler Thomas H. Watson, MDEdna WeaverBobby Joe WilsonFaye J. Wilson, PhDRose Wynn, RNTimi D. Young

Ann Rayburn, RNEditor-in-Chief

Thomas H. Watson, MDMedical Director

Ginger Chandler, RDNutritional Editor

2 3

Portions: 4

Serving Size: 1 large kabab or 2 small kababs

ingredients:

1 tablespoon peach jam2 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons lemon juice1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash® herb seasoning blend

1/4 teaspoon salt1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6 thighs)

1 medium zucchini1 medium yellow summer squash1 red bell pepper 1 medium onion

TOP ONLINE FUDRAISERJoseph Jones

TOP WALK TEAMSDaVita DialysisDCI DialysisTeam Faith

TOP OVERALL PRODUCERS:Earle WalkerBeth HarkinsAmy Powell

SPECIAL THANKS:Northview High SchoolBuffalo Rock – PepsiKrispy Kreme Doughnuts

2015 Prize SponsorsHampton Inn; Battleship Park; Dothan Lanes; Krispy Kreme Dough-nuts; Del Taco; Rack Room Shoes; LeNails; Hemispheres; Red BrickPizza; Mellow Mushroom; PoFolks; Chick-Fil-A; Chill Yogurt; CupcakesY'all; Bonsai by Dori

Special Thanks:Mayor Mike Schmitz – Honorary Walk ChairEarle Walker – Patient Champion

Dothan 2015 Kidney Walk Results

directions: 1.To make marinade, measure peach jam into a small microwave safe bowl and heat for 10 to 15 seconds to liquefy. Add olive oil, lemon juice, Mrs. Dash® herb seasoning and salt. Stir until well blended.

2.Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut each thigh into 4 pieces and place in a zip-lock bag.

3.Add 3 tablespoons marinade to chicken pieces. (Reserve 2 tablespoons marinade to use on vegetables.) Seal zip-lock bag and refrigerate to marinate.

4.Cut vegetables into even bite-sized pieces for kababs (zucchini-8 slices; yellowsquash-8 slices; red pepper-16 pieces; onion-varies). Place in a medium bowl and add reserved marinade. Stir to coat vegetable pieces.

5.Thread vegetables and chicken pieces onto skewers (4 large or 8 small skewers).

6.Heat barbeque grill to medium heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook covered for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn skewers 2 or 3 times to cook evenly.

Chicken &Vegetable

Summer Kabobs

Recipe from DaVita

The Alabama Kidney Foundation hosted its 3rd Annual Kidney Walk on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at Northview High Schoolin Dothan. Over 300 participants attended this year’s event, helping raise over $41,000 for Alabama’s kidney patients in need!Congratulations to all individual and team walkers, team captains, Walk Committee members, volunteers and all whoworked so hard to make this year’s walk a success! For information on how to get involved with the 2016 Kidney Walkcontact Becki Connally, Regional Director, at becki@alkidney.org.

Renal and renal diabetic food choices3 meat2 vegetable, low potassium

Carbohydrate choices1/2

Helpful hints• To prevent kababs from sticking to the grill, use tongs to wipe grates with an oily paper towel before placing kababs on grill.

• For a lower or higher protein diet decrease or increase the amount of chicken.

Participation and support of the event:Walk Committee; Boy Scouts; Omega Fraternity; Archonette’s Zeta’sSoriety; Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority; Alpha Delta Psi Societyof Alabama Bandsmen, Inc.; Hyundai Motor Manufacture; Virginia Col-lege; Panera Bread; Krispy Kreme; Starbucks; DJ at Large; GregTaunton; Phyllis; Nancy’s Italian Ice; Haynes Ambulance; BaptistHealth; The Space Walker; FMC; Alabama Department of Health;DaVita; Jackson Thornton; Renal Associates; Melanie Halvorson, M.D.;Ed Sauls; Jackson Hospital Diabetes Education Department; Caliber Patient Care and all the Team Captains; Walkers and volunteers!

2015 Honorary Walk Chair, Mr. Neill Wright

2014 Alabama Kidney Foundation Board of Directors members:Mr. Ed Sauls, Jackson Thornton and Dr. Melanie Halvorson, Renal Associates of Montgomery.

Thank you to the following Corporate Sponsors fortheir support of the event:

Corporate Sponsors ($10,000 +)Montgomery County Commission

Corporate Patrons ($5,000+)Fresenius Medical CareHyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC

Corporate Friends ($2,500.00 +)Liberty Bank

Corporate Supporter ($1,000+)Baptist HealthDCICentral Alabama Kidney & Hypertension CenterMelanie Halvorson, MD; Renal Associates

Corporate Backer ($500+)Alabama Power Service OrganizationJackson HospitalDaVitaAlabama Society of CPA’sCouncilman Arch LeeJackson Thornton

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION WINNER:Barbara Woodget, Liberty Bank

TOP OVERALL PRODUCERS:Deb Morris, Kidneys that Kare; Team FMC Dorothy Webster, Team Hyundai Jennifer Carter, Team FMC Barbara Woodget/Neill Wright, Liberty BankAngela Underwood, Team Jesus Ruth Crenshaw Love, Team Jesus

TOP CORPORATE TEAM:FMC

TOP TEAM WITHOUT CORPORATE FUNDS:Team Jesus

TOP ONLINE FUNDRAISER:Rodney Zeigler, Team OMEGA

2014 Food and Beverage Sponsors:Peppertree Steaks & Wine and Tish’s Cupcakes

Special ThanksLunch Chefs:Haynes Ambulance

2015 Prize Sponsors:Barbi Lee, Dougs 2; Alabama Shakespeare Theater; Sinclairs East;Montgomery Biscuits; Carabba’s; Birmingham Barons; Westin Hotel;Egg & I; Bama Lanes; Zoe’s Kitchen and the Montgomery Zoo.

4 5

Corporate Benefactors ($7,500 +)Fresenius Medical Care

Corporate Patrons ($5,000 +)Lexus of MobileAmerican Tank & VesselMobile Infirmary Medical CenterPoarch Band of Creek IndiansYoung Contracting

Corporate Friends ($2,500 +)Bradley, Arant, Boult & CummingsHargrove Engineers & ContractorsPlains Pipeline

Corporate Supporter ($1,000+)Alabama Power Service OrganizationBalch & Bingham, LLPChina Doll Rice & BeansDelaney Development, Inc.Gore MedicalNorton LillyPNC BankSanofi Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Springhill Medical CenterUniversity of South Alabama Medical CenterUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center

Corporate Backer ($500+)Commissioner Connie HudsonCox Family FoundationC. R. Lowman Power PlantGrand Hotel Marriott Resort & SpaIBERIABANKInternational Shipholding CorporationKohl’sMeador WarehousingMitchell Charitable GivingProvidence HospitalRogers & Willard Inc., BuildersSaad Healthcare

Special Thanks Media Sponsors104.1 WDLT97.5 WABD93 BLXWGOK Gospel 900

TOP ONLINE FUDRAISERSonya Higdon, Kidneys R Us

TOP CORPORATE TEAMS:Fresenius Medical Care – A TeamNephrology Associates of Mobile – Kidney FairiesCooper T. Smith – Cooper Team

TOP TEAMS:FMC – Kidneys R UsFMC - Nightmares on Wall StreetFMC -Azalea City SuperstarsUSA Medical Center - Grateful USA

TOP OVERALL PRODUCERS:Lisa CooperTammy Branch Sonya HigdonMichell Owens

Special Thanks:UMS-Wright Preparatory SchoolRouses GrocerNaman’s CateringStarbuck’s CoffeeArtic Ice

2015 Prize Sponsors:Spectrum Resorts – Turquoise Place; Beau Rivage Resort; Wyndom Hotel –French Quarter; Hampton Inn; The Mobile Bay Bears; Reel Surprise Charters; Bonefish Grill; The Melting Pot; Foosackly’s Chicken;Felix’s Fish Camp; Blue Gill Restaurant; Rotolo’s Pizza; Pollman’s Bak-ery; Regions Bank; Shore Acres Plant Farm; Flour Girls Bakery; KrispyKreme Doughnuts; Mirko’s Restaurant; Bellingrath Gardens; StudioWest 54 Hundred Salon; Rich’s Car Wash; and Integrity Pest Control.

Special Thanks:Ms. Geri Moulton – Honorary Walk ChairErica Cooley and Eddy & Bailee Walker – Patient Champions

Special Thanks for Participation of the Event:Cumulus Broadcast; UMS-Wright Students and Faculty; Pat CappsCollege of Allied Health Professionals-University of South Alabama;Alabama Power Service Organization; Photographers Ashely & AmberRamsey and Alabama Kidney Foundation Board of Directors – GwenDeierhoi and Susan Gaston

Thank you to the following Corporate Sponsors fortheir support of the event:Corporate Patrons ($10,000+)Cooper T. SmithNephrology Associates of Mobile

Mobile 2015 Kidney Walk Results Montgomery 2015 Kidney Walk Results

The Alabama Kidney Foundation hosted its annual Kidney Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Baptist Health’sDeBoer Building. 450 participants attended this year’s event, helping the Foundation to raise over $98,800 forAlabama’s kidney patients in need! Congratulations to all individual and team walkers, team captains,volunteers and committee members who worked so hard to make this year’s walk a success! For informationon how to get involved with the 2016 Kidney Walk contact Renae Thompson, Montgomery RegionalDirector, at renae@alkidney.org.

The Alabama Kidney Foundation hosted its 4rd annual Kidney Walk onSaturday, March 7, 2015 at UMS-Wright Cooper Stadium in Mobile. Over 400participants attended this year’s event, helping raise over $115,000 forAlabama’s kidney patients in need! Congratulations to all individual and teamwalkers, team captains, Board of Advisors, Walk Committee members,volunteers and all who worked so hard to make this year’s walk a success! Forinformation on how to get involved with the 2016 Kidney Walk contactBecki Connally, Mobile Regional Director, at becki@alkidney.org.

TOP FUNDRAISER:Alicia Rice-Nephcon All-stars

TOP TEAMS:Fresenius Medical CareNephcon All-starsHuntsville Renal Clinic

Special Thanks:Gary Tauss-2015 Walk Chair

Leadership Team:Jerry BartlettJim BevisDr. Todd BroomeJoe GehrdesBobby GinnJim MillerDr. James SmelserMD SmithRose Wynn

Walk Committee:Jim BevisDavid EdwardsLacy FitzpatrickBrenda MillerDiane TaylorMD SmithRose Wynn

2015 Prize Sponsors:Cyn Shea’s; Direct TV; Domino’s Pizza; Gibson’s Bar B-Q; HuntsvilleBotanical Gardens; Huntsville Museum of Art; Jack’s; Massage School

6 7

Thank you to the following Corporate Sponsors fortheir support of the event:Corporate Sponsors ($10,000 +)Fresenius Medical Care

Corporate Patrons ($5,000+)ACIPCO Board of OperativesBradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

Corporate Friends ($2,500 +)Jemison Investment Co., Inc.UABNephrology Associates, P.C.Medical Properties Trust

Corporate Supporter ($1,000+)Balch & Bingham LLPBaptist Health SystemSanofiDrummond Company, Inc.Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLCRaymond JamesThe Thompson FoundationMedical Imaging Systems/Proscenium Development LLCCooper Construction

Corporate Backer ($500+)ACIPCOBrookwood Medical Center/The Tenet FoundationNephrology Vascular LabRegions BankService ElectricTuscaloosa Nephrology AssociatesVulcan Materials CompanyH&M MechanicalHardy ServicesIBERIABANKPearce, Bevill, Leesburg & MooreSavage’s Bakery

AKF’s First Year FriendsMcDowell Security ServicesThornton Iron & Metal, Inc.DSIGreenhalgh InsuranceRe/Max First Choice

AKF’s First Year SupporterThermaguard Windows

Thank you to our Media Partners:ABC 33/40Summit Media

TOP OVERALL PRODUCERS:Lisa Jones, Fresenius Medical CareNorma Stewart, Team UABMary ThigpenEdna Weaver, Alabama Power Service Organization – Magic CityEmily Lansdell, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS: Fresenius Medical Care – Lisa Jones, Team CaptainTeam UAB – Norma Stewart, Team Captain

TOP FUNDRAISING TEAM WITHOUT CORPORATE DOLLARS:Re/Max First Choice – Pat Jackson, Team Captain

TOP ONLINE FUNDRAISER:Kitty Greenhalgh – Walker’s Warriors

TOP TEAM WITHOUT CORPORATE FUNDSOrdered Steps, Michael Bell

T-Shirt Prize Winner: Rhonda’s Renal Warriors – Rhonda Pope, Team Captain

Early Bird Registration Prize Winner: Kitty Greenhalgh – Walker’s Warriors

2015 Food Sponsors:The Egg & I, HooverThe Fresh MarketMilo’sMayfield Dairy FarmsJim N Nick’s BBQCoca-ColaGolden FlakeBud’s Best Cookies

2015 Prize SponsorsRenaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge; Bottega Restaurant; UAB AlysStephens Center for Performing Arts; Koch Aesthetic Dentistry; Lake-wood Golf Club in New Orleans; New Orleans Marriott Metairie;Lucy’s Coffee and Tea; Tazikis Hoover; Birmingham Zoo; McWaneScience Center; The Egg and I, Hoover; Kendra Scott; Halcyon DaysSalon & Spa; Regions Bank; Birmingham Barons; Mugshots; BahaBurger; Rx Catering; Walmart; Paper Source Birmingham; HighlandPark Golf Course; Mister Car Wash; Moe’s; Brunswick RiverviewLanes; Café Iz; PF Changs; Cheesecake Factory; Auburn UniversityAthletics; Costco; Six Flags over Georgia; Flowers by Shirley; PastryArt Bake Shoppe; Katie’s Plates; Premier Designs; and The School ofNail Technology

Special Thanks:Samford UniversityMr. Rickey Smiley – Walk Chair

Special Thanks for Participation of the EventSnuggles for You – clowns; Idlewild Adventure Co.; Alabama Rentals;Greg Hasberry; Babe Ruff – Birmingham Barons; Hoop for Fitness;Louis Nudo; Madeline White – Mary Kay; Airgas; Alabama PowerService Organization

of Madison; Mellow Mushroom; Nothing But Noodles; Omni NashvilleHotel; On the Spot Auto Detailing; Serenity Hair Studio; Tellini’s PastaMarket; US Space & Rocket Center; Von Braun Center; Westin Huntsville

Thank you to the following Corporate Sponsors fortheir support of the event:

Corporate Benefactors ($7,500.+)Fresenius Medical Care

Corporate Friends ($2,500 +)DaVitaHuntsville Renal ClinicNephcon Vascular Access Center

Corporate Supporter ($1,000+)Barge Waggoner Sumner & CannonDialysis Clinic, Inc.Huntsville HospitalJerry Damson Acura HondaRedstone Federal Credit UnionShoals Kidney and Hypertension Center

Corporate Backer ($500+)Dr. Todd and Casey BroomeDr. John and Ashley ClarkDr. Roger and Dr. Theresa CoomerDr. Bruce M. DiPlacidoDr. Reginald GladishAthens Rotary ClubCrestwood Medical CenterHuntsville Utilities Volunteer CouncilNephrology Consultants, LLCNephrology of North AlabamaPentec HealthSmith StoreItThompson Drywall

Special Thanks Food Sponsors:Jack’s PurityStarbucks

Special Thanks Media Sponsor:WZDX Fox 54IHeartMediaMix 69.9

Huntsville 2015 Kidney Walk Results Birmingham2015 Kidney Walk Results

The Alabama Kidney Foundation hosted its annual Birmingham Kidney Walk on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the SamfordUniversity Track and Soccer Complex. Over 750 participants attended this year’s event, helping raise over $176,000 forAlabama’s kidney patients in need! Congratulations to all individual and team walkers, team captains, Board of Advisors,Walk Committee members, volunteers and all who worked so hard to make this year’s Kidney Walk a success! Forinformation on how to get involved with the 2016 Kidney Walk contact Lacey Updegraff, Birmingham Regional Di-rector, at lacey@alkidney.org.

The Alabama Kidney Foundation hosted its annual Birmingham Kidney Walk on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at WestminsterChristian Academy. Over 350 participants attended this year’s event, helping raise over $56,000 for Alabama’s kidney patientsin need! Congratulations to all individual and team walkers, team captains, Leadership Team, Walk Committee members,volunteers and all who worked so hard to make this year’s walk a success! We are thrilled to announce that Tony Gann willbe the chair for the 2016 Huntsville Kidney Walk! For information on how to get involved with the 2016 Kidney Walkcontact Stephanie Lowe, Huntsville Regional Director, at stephanie@alkidney.org.

PatientSpotlight

MedicineMattersDepression in Dialysis PatientsBy Dr. Thomas H. Watson

Walker’s Warriorsby: Kitty Greenhalgh

9

Late into my second trimester we were informed that Walker had bilateral renal dilated kidneys. Because it is fairly common, the doctors expected things to resolve, yet continued to monitor his kidney development. As the weeks went by, everything seemed to be going well until they checked the baby at 29 weeks. The ultrasound showed his kidneys had taken a turn for the worse. My amniotic fluid was so low that he was at risk for cord compression, as well as severe pulmonary hypoplasia. I was immediately started on steroid shots to help give Walker’s lungs a “boost” in anticipation of a premature delivery, and told we needed to prepare for him not to survive. At this point my husband and I were onbended knee asking God to save our son.

Walker was born on October 23, 2014, the day before Wade’s fourth birthday. He was 35 weeks and 1 day, and miraculously came out screaming. Ten days later he was transported to Children’s Hospital of Alabama where he was evaluated for renal failure and had surgery for a Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube). He came home on November 11, just in time for Thanksgiving, but was re-admittedtwo weeks later for vomiting and dehydration. He was in renal failure and moved to the PICU inanticipation of starting dialysis overnight. After a nephrostomy tube and surgery to re-route hisureter on the left kidney, much to everyone’s surprise, Walker has been able to stay off dialysisand his kidney function has dramatically improved.

However, the damage to his kidneys is irreversible. He has been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) caused by obstructive nephropathy, which is when the urine flow is blocked causing injury to the kidney. In Walker’s case, his blockage occurred above the bladder affectingboth of his kidneys, leaving him with only one partially functioning kidney. With the help of several

medications and supplementing formula via G-Tube when needed, Walker has been doing really well.However, even with treatment, CKD does not go away. There is no cure and patients tend to have a gradual

decline in kidney function. Doctors are expecting Walker to outgrow his kidney function over time thereforeneeding a kidney transplant. In the meantime, Walker will continue to take medications, have labs drawn, bemonitored by his Pediatric Nephrologist, and hopefully continue to surpass everyone’s expectations!

Walker truly is our miracle baby and Chief Warrior in the fight against kidney disease! Adam and I hope thatthrough our son’s life, we can help raise awareness and funds to help others who are fighting this fight.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

My husband, Adam, and I, were thrilled to find out we were expecting oursecond child, and even more excited when our older son Wade cut the cake to reveal that he was going to have a little brother - 2014 was going to be an exciting year for us as a family. My husband and I were celebrating our 10th anniversary, our son Wade was turning four, and we were expecting our second son who was due on November 26. We named him Walker VanZile Greenhalgh and began planning for his arrival.

A note from the Alabama

Kidney Foundation:

Walker and his family and friendswere wonderful participants in this year’sBirmingham Kidney Walk. To see himsmile and coo at everyone who stoppedto talk to him, you would never know all that this sweet baby boy has had toendure. We could all take a lesson or two from him! We join Walker’s family in praying for his fight against kidneydisease!

Depression is the most common psychologic disturbance amongst dialysis patients.Unfortunately, depression carries with it negative connotations and judgment fromothers, not to mention a healthy dose of misunderstanding. Sadly (no pun intended),countless patients suffer through depression without treatment because of these inappropriate judgments and misunderstandings. And the problem doesn’t end with the suffering – which is bad enough – depression is dangerous. Here are a few issues to consider regarding depression:

1. Depression is dangerous – Patients with depression aren’t moti-vated to even go to dialysis – they have a much higher rate of missedtreatments than non-depressed patients. And it is absolutely clear thatpatients who miss treatments have a higher death rate. Furthermore, a depressed patient is really not able to focus on what he or she needs to do to remain healthy on dialysis -- things like diet control, fluidavoidance, and medication adherence. A recent study of new dialysispatients found that those who reported depression within the first 3months of dialysis had a 32% increased risk of death within the 1styear compared with those without depression.

Obviously the most dangerous result of depression is suicide. If you arepondering suicide even a little bit, this is my plea to you to get help im-mediately. You can call 911. There are 24 hour suicide hotlines (thesecan be found at www.suicide.org), and one of the numbers is 1-800-784-2433. Call your doctor; call your closest friend; call a family mem-ber; please just talk to someone about it and get help.

2. Here is a description of the symptoms and signs of depression:a. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every dayb. Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all activities, nearly every dayc. Difficulty sleeping or too much sleepingd. Significant weight loss or weight gaine. Fatigue or low energy, nearly every dayf. Increased agitation or decreased movement (i.e. just sitting around doing nothing – known in psychiatric circles as psychomotor retardation)

g. Decreased ability to concentrate, think, or make decisions, nearly every day

h. Thoughts of worthlessness or hopelessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt

i. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

3. You are not “crazy” if you are depressed. Depression is a medicalillness that can be treated with appropriate medications that actuallywork quite well in many cases. It is outrageous for someone to judge

another as “crazy” because of depression. Anyone who tells you that isbeing terribly irresponsible and offensive.

4. You are not “weak” or a “failure” if you are depressed – again, it is a medical illness that you can’t just will yourself to beat. Good ol’ fashioned toughness and elbow grease will not solve depression.Men in particular have trouble in this regard -- you are not less of aman if you require anti-depressants. Don’t let our “macho man” culture prevent you from getting the potentially life-saving treatmentyou require.

5. Medications for depression work – there is obviously no magic pill that will fix your problems. The situation you are in is not goingto change because you are taking anti-depressants. Anti-depressantswork to fix the chemical imbalance in your brain that results in thesymptoms of depression. So, while the medications don’t take away theproblems that are causing you to feel distressed, they do improve yourbody’s ability to handle that emotional stress, and the side effects ofthat stress.

There are many different anti-depressants available in the UnitedStates. They are generally well-tolerated without significant side effectsin most cases. That said, you and your doctor should discuss whichmight work best for you considering your underlying health problems,whether you’re on dialysis, other medications you take, etc.

Keep in mind, most anti-depressants take weeks to begin working. The onset of action is so slow that you might not even notice a change.One day, though, upon reflection, you might see that you aren’t cryingas much, or you are eating better, or sleeping better, etc.

So, to recap: Depression is dangerous; it is undertreated; it doesn’tmean you’re “crazy;” it isn’t a sign of weakness or a flawed character;and it is very treatable with well-tolerated medication. If you are reading this, and you or your loved one is showing signs of depression, I hope you will have the courage to seek help.

HONORARIUMS&MEMORIALS

IN HONOR OF

Andrew AustinMs. Sheila Austin Pavlovec

Michael BellMr. and Mrs. Joseph Yost

Pat Berry-JacksonMr. and Mrs. Earl Gibson

Patti BlandMr. and Mrs. Steve Carnohan

Kathy GardnerDr. and Mrs. Charles Smith

Yvonne GreenMr. and Mrs. Dennis Lamons

Edward GuilesMr. and Mrs. Scott Theiss

Nellie McGheeMs. Mary McGhee

Jim and Mona MillerMr. and Mrs. Richard Adam

Barbara TurpenMs. Sue J. Murphy

UAB Pediatric Nephrologistsof Children'sMr. and Mrs. Pat Richards

Josh WhisonantMs. Laura Weaver

Vikie Davidson WynneMs. Gayle E. Davidson

Below is a listing of the generous individuals and foundations that made memorial and honorarium gifts to the Alabama Kidney Foundation from October 31, 2014 – May 26, 2015. Their donations make it possible for the Foundation to continue to make a difference for thousands of Alabamian’s living with kidney disease.

Dr. Richard GurichMr. and Mrs. Phillip Ward

Lisa HansonMr. Robert DeVault and Ms. Julia Watts

Ted JuettMr. and Mrs. Ira Thomas Lucas, Jr.

Ken KawanoMr. and Mrs. Buck Bannister

O'Neal KillenMr. and Mrs. Sam Newton

Wad Lawrence KingBuilding Specialties Company, Inc.Mr. Brad Lane & FamilyMr. Raymond Cohen, Cohens Electronics and Appliances, Inc.

Lane Cattle Company, LLC

Carl H. KramerMs. Neely D. Clinton

Kay Herston MasonMr. and Mrs. Jimmy L. Roberson

Robert MasonMr. and Mrs. Phillip WardMs. Martha McGillMr. and Mrs. John DavisMs. Nancy SmithMs. Gail C. FergusonMr. and Mrs. Emil J. Shapach, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Jerry T. WhiteheadMs. Haley RichardsonMs. Constance Cox

Laurel McManus-DoughtyMs. Pat AndersonMs. Deborah Stephenson

Tommie MoseleyMr. Jerry L. Moseley

John H. OdomMs. Billie P. OdomMs. Laura Weaver

Taylor ReeseMr. Jason Marquis

Cornelia RyansMs. Belinda Smith

Alice SchulzMr. Donald Schulz

Connie SensabaughMs. Barbara HodsonMr. Howard SensabaughMs. Shirley Bowers

Charlotte SlocumDr. Edwin A. Rutsky

Eva Lou SplawnMr. and Mrs. Darrell Lucas

Shelba StanleyMr. and Mrs. Carl LoosierMr. and Mrs. Claude J. WatkinsMs. Jeanette FulmerMr. David A. MaysMr. Roland Stanley

Vernie Mae Davis WalkerMs. Constance E. JacksonMr. and Mrs. Kris BowdinMs. Jolaine IrishMs. Jan WalkerMr. Terry D. SullivanMr. and Mrs. Robert C. RudderMs. Pamela McLeod

PLEASE REMEMBER...The Alabama Kidney Foundation in your willor planned gifts. For moreinformation, please call Rebecca – (205) 934-0607 or (205) 934-2111 or (800) 750-3331 or rebecca@alkidney.org”

IN MEMORY OF

Patricia AgnesiaMr. and Mrs. Louie LopezMr. and Mrs. James Culpepper

Louis BedingfieldMr. Barry Weaver

Ronnie CantrellMr. and Mrs. Buck Bannister

Lonnie Chapman and RosaChapmanMs. Barbara J. Chapman

Jerldean ChappellMs. Tricia Large

Carol CobbMs. Judy King

Susan DearingMr. and Mrs. W. P. Friedrich

Earl DoneganMrs. DeLoris Donegan

Julia DugasMr. and Mrs. Arthur Williams

Myrtle FlemingMs. Noelle C. Fleming

Ted GallowayMrs. Joyce Galloway

Pansey GlazeMr. and Mrs. Robert L. Glaze

Timmi GriswoldMs. Joe Bryan

Mr. and Mrs. Michael GossMrs. Alisa DawkinsMr. and Mrs. Bradley PeffleyMs. Sandra K. MonkMs. Patricia GreeneMs. Debra CarnleyMs. Gayle E. DavidsonMr. Roy Bush Cooper, Jr.Ms. Arlene Brown

Linda WormleyMs. Lisa McEachernMr. Steve Osborn

Vivian Ballard, Mobile Division of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO), is the driving forcebehind the APSO partnership with AKF’s Mobile Office. Vivian’s commitment to the Foundation has placedher on Mobile’s Board of Advisors. Through her encouragement she has led APSO to volunteer with AKF’sMobile Stocking Stuffer project, the annual Mobile Patient Education Conference and the Mobile KidneyWalk. For the 2015 Mobile Kidney Walk, Vivian sold “Kidney Pin-Up Cards” at her local branch and raisedover $1,500.00 in just one month!

“It is more than just her commitment and ability; it is her drive! Her energy is infectious and her smile is abeacon to everyone around her!” explained Becki Connally, Mobile Regional Director.

10 11

Volun

teerSpotlight

The Energy toAffect Change….Alabama Power and Al

abama Kidney Foundation

“Energy and persistence conquer all things,” said Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, yethe could not have possibly imagined the labyrinth of energy sources we have today. Franklin, aman of great action, was well aware of the “energy” of good people creating collective results throughpositive energy. Alabama Power Service Organization is doing just that, through leadership, vol-unteerism and fundraising for the Alabama Kidney Foundation.

Alabama Power employees Edna Weaver and Bobby Joe Wilson have made a big impact on the organizationas volunteers in a multitude of ways. Edna is a member of the AKF’s Board of Directors and Bobby Joe isthe President of the Board of Managers for the Birmingham office. Each year, the Alabama Power team forthe Birmingham Kidney Walk works hard to fundraise for the event. In 2015, they raised close to $13,000for the Kidney Walk! Edna and Bobby Joe are pictured here presenting a $10,000 check from the AlabamaPower Foundation in support of the AKF’s programs.

Nedra Smith, Farley Nuclear Plant, was the APSO leader for the Dothan Kidney Walk. Nedra organizedvolunteers, Ann Straughn, Heather Mims, Rolanda Jones, Vickie Scholfield, Janet Hovey, Christian Jones and Teresa Skinner. The APSO volunteers were the backbone behind successful walk efforts!

APSO’s Montgomery Division was hard at work in 2015 in raising funds for the Montgomery Kidney Walk.They hosted a a cookout fundraiser to raise money for the event. They raised over $700!

MOBILE REGION

BIRMINGHAM REGION

DOTHAN REGION

MONTGOMERY REGIONFresenius Medical Care reigns as the top fundraisers againthis year for the Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery2015 Kidney Walks! Overall FMC raised over $98,000, which willhelp fund AKF’s Financial Assistance Program.

Thank you to the following people and all FMC employees whodedicated their time to raise these critical funds:

Special Thanks toFresenius Medical Care BIRMINGHAM KIDNEY WALK:

Rose Wynn & Lisa Jones – Raised $21,225

HUNTSVILLE KIDNEY WALK: Rose Wynn, Tim Talley, Rhonda Carter, Dianne Taylor– Raised $17,426

MOBILE KIDNEY WALK: Sonya Higdon, Michelle Owens, Cherry James, Cortney Glass, Renee McGinnis,David Sweet and Russ Russum– Raised $26,471

MONTGOMERY KIDNEY WALK: David Sweet, Deborah Morris & Stephanie Holloway (Auburn/Opelika Area) – Raised $18,226; Jennifer Carter (Montgomery Area) – Raised $14,867