Educational Events: Kidney Connections
join us for kidney connections
making kidney connections
We invite you to be a part of Kidney Connections, where each year you have four chances to learn from experts, patient ambassadors, and connect with each other. These events are a great way to meet people affected by kidney disease, share your stories, and learn together. Each session will bring together healthcare professionals and patients to share helpful information and personal experiences.
meet the ambassadors
making kidney connections
Kidney Ambassadors play an important role in Kidney Connections. They are people affected by kidney disease who help support and encourage others going through similar experiences. Ambassadors tell their stories during webinars and attend in-person events to answer questions, share their experiences, and help create meaningful connections.
William Boscow
In October of 2024, Bill (right) donated his kidney to his dear friend, Carter Freeman. Their friendship spans back to 1980, having played hockey together in college. This was Carter's third kidney transplant, as he had received donations in the past from his mother and brother. Bill says witnessing first-hand his friend's immediate, marked improvement in health and spirit has been an incredible, indescribable gift.
"My donation helped me realize how precious a healthy life is and how it is to maintain a good mental health balance and perspective. And I’m not the only living donor in the family! My sister donated her kidney to our mother years ago, and that was able to help our mom live a lot longer and more fulfilling life."
in-person agenda
Saturday, October 24, 2026
9:30am - 2:00pm
Join us for an exciting half-day in-person event on Saturday, October 24 at the Courtyard Chicago at Medical District/UIC (625 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL.)
You'll hear from patients and experts in a series of panels and have the chance to connect with others.
9:30AM Registration & Refreshments
10:00AM Welcome
10:10AM Educational Sessions
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Managing Medication - Dr. Maya Campara, PharmD, BCTXP, FCCP, UI Health
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Mental Health and Resiliency - Dr. Daniel Fridberg, PhD, UChicago Medicine
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Nutrition and Healthy Living - Kate Zalewski, RDN, CSR, LDN, Your Kidney Dietitian PLLC
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Financial and Insurance Resources - Jesse Ruiz, LCSW, CCTSW, Loyola University Medical Center
+ Patient Stories Between Sessions - Dr. Leah Howell, PhD, Transplant Recipient
12:30PM Lunch & Networking
1:00PM Professional Panel
Moderators: Dr. Amishi Desai, DO, Northwestern Medicine and Dr. Sujay Paudel, MD, Northwestern Medicine
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Maya Campara, PharmD, BCTXP, FCCP, UI Health
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Dr. Daniel Fridberg, PhD, UChicago Medicine
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Jesse Ruiz, LCSW, CCTSW, Loyola University Medical Center
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Kate Zalewski, RDN, CSR, LDN, Your Kidney Dietitian PLLC
1:30PM Patient Panel
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Monica Fox, Kidney Transplant Recipient
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Elizabeth Villareal, Dialysis Patient
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Danial Knight, Dialysis Patient
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Living Donor
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Bettie Lewis, Caregiver
2:00PM Closing
kidney health resources
empowering through education
program sponsors
you make the difference
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is able to support patients and families, conduct free educational seminars, and offer community screening days through the generosity of our passionate supporters, and a remarkable team of dedicated sponsors. Interested in sponsoring this program? Contact Rachel DePauw at rdepauw@nkfi.org.
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