KCF Blog & News

A Word About Our Founder

Antoine Hall — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:54:20 +0000

In 2005, Deidra Hall founded what is now The Kidney Coaching Foundation, Inc (KCF). Since she was a kidney transplant patient herself and had been since 1994, she saw a need to assist adolescence, between the ages of 12 and 21, with all stages of renal disease. As an adult, she looked backed and realized that she did not have the support and people there to show her that life goes beyond her current situation – that was kidney failure.

At the KCF, it is our goal to do just this. We aim to coach and inspire that life goes on and there is so much left to do. It is ironic that in our goals, life can still be fragile. In January of 2009, Deidra found out that her transplanted kidney started failing. Throughout this year, she has seen the decline of her kidney function to the point where she finally had to start dialysis.

The beautiful thing about this time around is that she knows that life does not end and that from past experiences, she knows exactly what to do. She will be getting a kidney transplant within the next couple of months, but this does not end the KCF. In fact, this makes it stronger as the current turn of events refreshes the experiences of 15 years.

Life is learned by living it and experiences makes us stronger. As a founder, we are proud to know that she can teach from her own lessons and that is something we cannot place a value can be placed.

Inspirational Documentary Explores Kidney Patient’s Desire to Triumph

Olympia Friday — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:10:40 +0000

You don’t come across very many films that focus on kidney disease and how it affects lives. D tour is a documentary film that follows Pat Spurgeon, a rock musician on tour as he goes through daily dialysis treatments while he waits for a new kidney from a matching donor. Here is a brief overview of the film and Pat’s story. Pat was born with one kidney, which began to fail when he was in junior high school. He had a successful transplant at twenty-five but fifteen years later, that kidney began to lose function too. Pat now needed a second transplant though he held onto his dreams of touring with his rock band. Pat’s friend and director of the film Jim Granato followed him on tour. Three years and 80 hours of footage later, a story of hope, love, support, triumph and the importance of organ donation emerged. Pat seemingly displayed many of the qualities that Deidra discussed in the previous post. He was ready to fight and win – and sharing his story through this film is likely to inspire other kidney patients to do the same.

The film had two recent screenings in North Carolina. However, the film is scheduled to air nationally on the PBS series Independent Lens in November 2009. Watch the D tour film trailer on YouTube.

Get Out of the Boat!

Deidra Hall — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:06:15 +0000

There’s a scripture (Ok, don’t tune me out here) in the Bible where Peter is asked to step out of a boat and walk on water (Matthew 14:22). Many evangelicals focus on the fact that Peter sank when he took his eyes off of Jesus. In other words, they pin point Peter’s folly of focusing on his surroundings instead of keeping his eyes on the only One who could help. I take a different view of that passage. See, there are two things you have to realize. One, there was wind and waves – not the best conditions to get out of a boat. Two, there were eleven other men in that boat. Count them, eleven other men, and it was only Peter who had the courage to get out of the boat despite the turmoil around him.

It’s 2009 and in my 31 years of life I have come so far. Who would have thought that at this age I’d be a wife, mother of two, and a founder of an organization? Considering that I’m black, a woman, came from a broken home, humble beginnings, at the age of 12 get diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, go through this progressive disease, have kidney failure, come out with a healthy kidney from my mom in ‘94, and even now thriving while going through failure again (this 50 some-odd yr old kidney- my “good ole’ girl” – has given me 15 years of good times!)– I’ve beat some pretty tough statistics. But why? What kept me going?

Some say that I had “drive and determination” – ok. Others say I was “lucky” – alright. I say not only did I have faith and believed, but I dared to get out of the boat!

So I have a message for you dear patient. In spite of your circumstances and set backs, you have to see something bigger for yourself. Don’t settle in the “patient with kidney disease” boat. There are untold possibilities for you in your life, and they certainly aren’t going to be found there. If you want those possibilities, the only way you can get them is to get out of your boat.

Well before you “jump ship” you need a plan. The first thing you have to do is get well. Know that a healthy mind plus a healthy body can help equal success. Own your disease, and take responsibility for your recovery. Get involved with groups to educate yourself, groups that teach how to create your possibilities, and most importantly get involved with your health team in making your health decisions. Become an advocate for your own health care.

Second, please decide that you are going to be a victor in this situation. When you get out of the boat, you have to be ready for what comes blowing across the water. You don’t have the safe covering of the masts, or the option of running below deck. When you are on that water, you have to bring your “A” game. No time for fear – no time for doubt. If you are going to get through the wind, the crashing waves and other things the rough water can bring, you’ve got to be ready to fight. And not only fight, but to win. Of course, there were times when you will get wet, blown over – even almost drowned by circumstances, but you have to remember, you are here to win.

Third, surround yourself with a great boat crew. Face it, when you decide to get out of the boat that is a decision you must make on your own. People can’t come out onto the water with you, but they can cheer you on from the boat. My boat crew was my family, friends and medical staff. And because those particular people are so close, it makes them easier for you to push away. You know, sometimes when we are sick, we get angry and question why did it happen to me. Well I ask you – why not? Don’t you think there is a bigger plan at work? And who else is going to be strong enough to take this challenge on but you? There’s a reason you are here living with this. Don’t be angry and push people away. Do yourself a favor and let the people who love you most help you through to the other side. Share your fears and your hopes together then work through them together. Believe me when I say, it makes staying out on the water much easier.

Last keep your eyes forward and stay focused. Tap into your possibility in life. Where can you leave your mark? Who best can you help? I knew in my heart my calling was to reach out to other young patients going through kidney disease. Just like I wished I had someone who knew what swelling felt like, and what being tired and still having to keep up grades felt like – I wanted to be that person for someone else. I realized I had an experience that not too many people can share – and I wanted to do that for someone. Hence, I surrounded people around me and we developed The Kidney Coaching Foundation (http://www.thekcf.org).

So I ask you patient – are you stuck in the boat? The winds are blowing, the water is wet, but you have to have the courage to….

GET OUT OF THE BOAT!

Original Article appears in the Fall 08 issue of Kidney Care

The Importance of Caregivers

Antoine Hall — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:45:02 +0000

Hello everyone. My name is Antoine Hall and I am the Information and Technology Officer for the Kidney Coaching Foundation, Inc. (KCF). Also, I am the husband of our Founder, Deidra Hall, which places me in a pretty unique position. I get the opportunity take on the role as a caregiver (in the time of need) as well as her officer for our organization.

According to the American Medical Association, a caregiver is defined as “anyone who provides assistance to someone who is in need of care.”¹ At the KCF, we realize that caregivers play an important role in the lives of our patients. This is the reason why we have designed a program that not only focuses on coaching the adolescent patients, but their caregivers as well. Have you ever heard the phrase that “your team is as successful as your weakest link” (or something similar to it)? This principle applies here as well.

“Evidence shows that most caregivers are ill-prepared for their role and provide care with little or no support…”² You can only imagine what could happen to an adolescent if their parents/guardians did not know how to treat their illness and/or care for them. If you couple this with the fact that most people do not take care of themselves, then you could have a recipe for disaster. The good thing is that this is a problem that can be fixed, but we must first recognize that the importance of a caregiver cannot be overlooked. In order to help someone we must first help ourselves by filling up with knowledge and keeping in good health. It’s like the instructions a flight attendant gives before take-off – “If the cabin loses pressure, the masks will drop from the ceiling. If you have a child please be sure to apply your mask first, then assist your child”. We typically think help the child first worry about ourselves later, but if we are gone then who is there to help the child through the long haul?

Education and training is the key. I can speak from first hand experience. Over the past 9 years, I have learned more about kidney disease than I could have ever imagined. The great thing is that I can recognize signs and symptoms and I know what to do in order to provide the appropriate care. You will never know it all as a caregiver and that is to be expected, but the more you know the more you grow. The success of patients hinges on the very success caregivers.

1. “Caregiver Health”. American Medical Association.

2. “A Population at Risk”. Family Caregiver Alliance.

Welcome to our Blog!

Deidra Hall — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:54:24 +0000

A Note from the Founder

Deidra Hall, Founder

Welcome!

Thank you for stopping to read our blog. It is a privileged and an honor to have you here.

I became part of the elite “kidney patient club” at the age of 12, diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. Although I’ve been through some ups and downs since then, I count it as a blessing. A blessing? Why of course! If I would have never entered this world of chronic kidney disease, I would have never met some of the most inspiring people I know. For example, doctors dedicating their lives to research and treatment for kidney disease, parents who stay up late nights and have learned what a “cc” is, coordinator of walk-a-thons to raise money to find cures, and – patients, patients who despite long hours on dialysis, “moon” faces, and careful diet planning – learn to laugh and live and take what strength they have to live productive lives. Coming in contact with these people have truly made me who I am. Out of this “disease” came this awesome opportunity in KCF, and I would like to share this opportunity with you!

So I ask, please stop by often – we’ll try to update at least once a week. We’ll share news, events, and also stories of our journeys (so if you have something you’d like to share, please do! We’d love to post them for you!)

Until then,

Deidra

KCF Informational

Antoine Hall — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 05:00:10 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raleigh, NC– March 24, 2009–The Kidney Coaching Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that delivers life coaching and personal development programs to adolescents and young adults with kidney disease, is seeking candidates to serve for its 2009-2011 Board of Directors.

KCF Board of Directors is responsible for establishing goals and policies for the foundation. Desired board member skills include: legal, financial management, strategic planning, grant writing and fundraising experience. Candidates must be willing to promote KCF’s mission and advocate its programs. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 20 million Americans—one in nine adults—have chronic kidney disease, and most don’t even know it, while more than 20 million others are at increased risk. North Carolina is ranked 10th in the United States for prevalence of kidney disease.

The foundation’s executive director, Deidra Hall credits continuous medical research, health education programs, and having a great support system for her recovery. She was diagnosed at the age of twelve with nephronic syndrome, a condition that is marked by swelling and low levels of protein in the blood, thus causing damage to the kidneys. Now leading a healthy life following a kidney transplant 15 years ago, she shares, “Many adolescents, young adults, and their caregivers go through emotional and physical transformations at the onset of learning they must cope with a kidney disease. Managing the effects of the disease actually causes many life changes. Our program provides educational tools that can help kidney patients lead normal and successful lives.”

Candidates interested in serving on the KCF Board of Directors are required to attend an informational on Tuesday, April 7 from 7pm-8pm at the West Regional Library, 4000 Louis Stephens Rd, Cary, NC 27519. Contact Deidra Hall at (919) 696-1762 to RSVP for the informational and find out how to make a difference as a member of the Board of Directors with the Kidney Coaching Foundation.

About The Kidney Coaching Foundation

The Kidney Coaching Foundation’s purpose is to inspire, motivate, and encourage youth to live a productive and successful life with renal disease. KCF’s goal is to provide each member with a trained volunteer coach who guides them in acquiring the tools necessary to comply with their medical treatment. Visit www.thekcf.org to learn more about the Kidney Coaching Foundation.

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Media Contact:
Bonyetta Brison Kitts
The Brison Group, Inc.
Phone: (404) 474-8279
Email: bbrisonkitts@thebrisongroup.com

KCF Open House

Antoine Hall — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:37 +0000

ATTENTION ALL MEDICAL PERSONNEL:

The Kidney Coaching Foundation asks for an hour of your time on Thursday, October 9, 2008.

Please save the date and plan to attend our first Kidney Coaching Foundation Open House.

On this day we will:

Formally introduce ourselves and our program to you all
Give you a chance to ask, ask, ask – so we can – inform, inform, inform
Mingle and share in nice refreshments *yummy*

The best part of it all is you don’t even have to leave your parking space because we are coming to you! So get a pen…here’s the information you should write down!

The Kidney Coaching Foundation Open House
Thursday, October 9, 2008
4:00pm – 5:00pm

7057 Burnett-Womack Building

Click Here to RSVP by OCTOBER 6, 2008

1st Annual Family Cookout video!

Antoine Hall — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:00:55 +0000

2008 ANNUAL FAMILY COOKOUT

Our 1st Annual Family Cookout was a success

Antoine Hall — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:00:18 +0000

On Saturday, June 21st at Jordan Lake State Park in North Carolina it was a wonderful day. Families, medical staff, volunteers and board members shared in the 1st Annual Family Cookout. There was a lot of eating, games, photos, videos, and stories shared…..yeah….all around a great time.

We are doing it next year – bigger and better so stay tuned!

If you or your company would like to make a donation or be a sponsor for our events, please click the yellow donation button to the left of the page or contact us. Thank You!

“AH-FA-GEDDAH-BOUDIT!!!”

The Annual Family Cookout is….

A day of fun and games for pediatric kidney patients and their families where everyone can just “fa-geddah-boudit”, that is, forget about being poked prodded, and examined for just one day!

A day for parents to network with one another and medical staff, and find out more about the Kidney Coaching Foundation program!

EVENT SPONSOR

GENENTECH

SUPPORTERS

Adventure Landing
Brueggers
Catering Works
Chick-fil-A
Donte Wiggins – Drum Instructor
Harris Teeter
Honey’s Restaurant and Catering
Jordan Lake Recreation
Living Water World Audio & Video Services
Panera Bread
Pepsi Bottling Ventures
Ron Foreman – Video Services
Sam’s Club
UNC Kidney Center
Starbucks
Swank Cake Designs
Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes
Whole Foods Market