American Kidney Fund’s Kidney Hero Podcast Series Celebrates Iraq War Veteran, Other Heroes Living with Kidney Disease
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) recently released its newest installment in the Kidney Heroes podcast series. The podcast recognizes Sergeant Scott Blaylock, a veteran of the Iraq War who is living with kidney disease.
Rockville, MD (PRWEB) July 13, 2010
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) recently released its newest installment in the Kidney Heroes podcast series. The podcast recognizes Sergeant Scott Blaylock, a veteran of the Iraq War who is living with kidney disease.
Scott shares his challenges of maintaining kidney health while serving military duty in Mosul, Iraq. Like many, Scott was unaware of the risks of kidney disease and the silent nature of the condition. During a routine Army physical prior to deployment, Scott learned that he had high blood pressure. A subsequent test revealed his kidneys were functioning at less than 50% of capacity. By watching his diet and maintaining a regular exercise routine, Scott managed his kidney disease and was able to fulfill his military duty. He is now an advocate for kidney disease prevention and awareness.
“I congratulate Scott and all of the AKF Kidney Heroes and thank them for helping others by sharing their powerful and unique stories,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. “I hope their stories can inspire others the way they have inspired me.”
The American Kidney Fund's Kidney Heroes podcast series honors people who are making a difference in the fight against kidney disease. The entire series is available for download on the American Kidney Fund Kidney Heroes podcast page or on iTunes. Previous installments in the Kidney Heroes podcast series feature the following heroes:
Kodey Weir, a winner of the American Kidney Fund 2010 Calendar Kids Art Contest, an annual search for drawings to illustrate the organization’s wall calendar. His artwork is published on the December page of the nationally distributed calendar. Pat Meyers, an AKF Patient Advocate, who recently traveled to Washington, DC, for World Kidney Day on the Hill, where she met with congressional leaders to raise awareness about kidney disease. Doug Penrod, a Registered Nurse and kidney donor. Doug’s passion for nephrology, his selfless sacrifice, and his compassion for kidney patients make him an American Kidney Fund Kidney Hero. For more information about the American Kidney Fund, visit www. kidneyfund. org.
About the American Kidney Fund
The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts. As the nation’s No. 1 source of treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients, the American Kidney Fund in 2009 provided charitable grants totaling nearly $155 million to more than 87,000 dialysis patients in all 50 states. The American Kidney Fund reaches tens of thousands of individuals each year with information about kidney health; operates a kidney disease screening program targeting high-risk populations; and maintains a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) which provides education about kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund is a seven-time recipient of the highest “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator; holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www. kidneyfund. org.
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