Community Engagement Workgroup (CEW)

My daughter received her kidney transplant ten years ago.  My involvement in IROC has allowed me to make connections with other patients and families from around the nation - something that was not possible before. We are given the rare opportunity to inform clinicians of the daily challenges patients and families face during post-transplant life.  We are seen as valuable partners and our input is always encouraged.  I am inspired by the ongoing collaboration between IROC centers which is helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pediatric kidney transplant patients. 

-- Ansara Piebenga, Children's Mercy, Kansas City

My daughter received a kidney transplant in July 2016 from Johns Hopkins and about a year later Hopkins introduced me to IROC’s Community Engagement Workgroup. I immediately became involved because IROC's mission to collaborate with hospitals and caregivers to improve outcomes for CKD patients aligns with my own desire to help other families become more educated about kidney transplants (pre and post). CEW's focus on educating patients/caregivers on tangible issues has been extremely beneficial. For example, I learned that even though Lily will most likely need medication to control her blood pressure in the coming years, I now know the strategies to best   control her blood pressure so we can keep Lily healthy and extend the viability of her transplanted kidney.
                                                     
-- Amanda Goldstein, John Hopkins Children's Center

I received my renal transplant in December of 2008 and since then have seen my share of ups and downs. With the love and support of my Nephrology team though no task seemed too daunting. To be involved with an entire community who share the same goals and attitude as the doctors and nurses I have had the privilege to work with is truly exciting. I am ecstatic to work towards better health and better lives for all transplant recipients, donors, and caretakers as a member of IROC.

-- Calvin Upton, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

When I was asked to join IROC as a parent of a transplant patient I wasn't sure what to expect. What I have gotten is knowing that we aren't alone, that other parents likely have the same questions and concerns as me and comfort in knowing that this group works with our doctors and hospitals to collaborate on the best care possible for our loved ones. I'm very excited to be part of this group and have a great amount of excitement in knowing that the work being done in the group will help so many others along their kidney journey!

-- Deb Sternhagen, University of Iowa's Children's Hospital

"My experience with IROC has been highly beneficial as a parent caring for my son who was diagnosed with chronic renal failure at birth.  This collaboration has been a useful educational tool for me.  The materials and presentations made available have broadened my knowledge in caring for my son more effectively.  I think it would serve as a great resource tool in my child’s health center as we would be developing data from a nationwide standpoint instead of just our local community.  I am hopeful that this collaboration can create a hub where patients and families can connect and share their stories and experiences with one another and offer support.  Educational resources made available through this site would be a helpful tool to parents trying to navigate and learn more about their child’s, or their own, complex diagnosis.  I look forward in continuing to learn more about this great program and lending my voice as a parent to this amazing, and much needed collaboration."      

-- Cassie Glotta, Children's Mercy Kansas City

I received a kidney transplant at age 15 (in 1994) from Johns Hopkins hospital.   Since then I have worked with numerous transplant and kidney organizations with a goal of helping transplant recipients like myself.  All these organization are great, but none reflect my personal mission as perfectly as IROC.  I want all children with kidney transplants to not only survive but thrive to the fullest extent possible.  IROC embraces this mission, and engages patients, families, clinicians and researchers.  I am excited to be part of this amazing organization and can’t wait to see the differences we will make!

-- Kristin Hunt