Recorded Educational Programs

Tuesday, March 9
A Physician's Confession: What I Wish Every Patient Would Ask Me

This was a special KIDNEY MONTH program. Dr. El-Meanawy discussed the questions that patients should be asking to understand their kidney/medical condition.

Speaker: Ashraf El-Meanawy, MD, MS, PhD, FASN
Director of Dialysis at MCW and MCW Associated Hospitals
Professor of Medicine
Division of Nephrology
Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease Center
Medical College of Wisconsin
Board Member, National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin

Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Being Present & Engaged
Lisa Hare per your requests!

Lisa Hare presented a special Heart Month presentation featuring ways to support positive heart health and reduce stress since stress has a significant impact on our health. The program's focus was on building relationships with others and ourselves through discussions of emotional intelligence, gratitude, mindfulness and meditation.

Speaker: Lisa Hare, MS
Program Manager, Customer Experience and Performance Excellence Experience Management,
Froedtert Health

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, January 19
Real Stories | Real People
Living donors who gave to someone they know
Featured: Karen E., Heather S. and Sheri W.

Heather and Karen talked about how they made the decision to donate a kidney to someone they know and Sheri talked about the changes her transplant made in her life.

Advocacy volunteer, Sara H., announced that the lifetime coverage of immunosuppression medication for transplant patients was passed at the very end of 2020! She also discussed the changes that occurred within the Wisconsin Representatives in the House of Representatives as a result of the 2020 election along with ways people can help advocate for kidney disease issues.

Watch the Presentation

Part of the Living Donors Together Program

Tuesday, January 12
Fit & Fab Home Edition

This program was intended to be an active participation presentation, getting everyone up and moving. Angie demonstrated a variety of workout activities to strengthen the upper body, lower body, chest and back and core areas using materials available within the home. As she demonstrated the exercises she also offered additional challenges and options with great explanations along with how to make exercising a game. Watch the recording of the presentation below and have an at-home workout!

Speakers: Kevin Scharnek
Owner, Orangetheory Fitness Wisconsin

Angie Krueger
Regional Fitness Director, Orangetheory Fitness Wisconsin;
Master Educator, Orangetherapy Corporate, Boca Raton, FL

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, November 10
A Taste of Something New for the Holidays

We had a fantastic pair of speakers. Monica, a kidney recipient and Karen, her living donor, shared recipes for the holidays along with the story of how they met, became friends and Karen was able to donate a kidney to Monica.

Recipe Links:
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Pumpkin Pepper Hummus
Balsamic Marinated Mushrooms
Creamy Curry Rice & Apple Salad
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Tanzania Pilau & Monica's Pasta

Speakers: Karen Isaacson, RD, CD, CSR

Monica A.

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, October 20
Real Stories | Real People
Living donors who gave to a relative/family member
Featuring: Sarah Kaatz, Jenn Finn and Mary Wang

Sarah, Jenn and Mary talked about how they made the decision to give a kidney to a family member. They also shared what the transplant experience was like.

Sara H. an advocacy volunteer, presented an update on the legislation currently before Congress supporting lifetime coverage of immunosuppression medication for transplant patients and support for living donors.

Part of the Living Donors Together Program

Tuesday, May 19
TELEHEALTH: Connecting with a Doctor from Home

We have all been hearing a lot about telehealth or telemedicine. Since telehealth is now a part of our life, do you know how to prepare for and to follow-up after your 'virtual visit'?

A presentation of one physician's perspective on how to get the most from your 'virtual visit'.

Speaker: Ashraf El-Meanawy, MD, MSC, PHD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Kidney Disease Center & Cardiovascular Center
Medical College of Wisconsin
Board Member - National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin

Tuesday, April 7
A Donor Mom's Perspective on Donation
In honor of National Donate Life Month

Dawn’s daughter, Emily, was an eye, organ and tissue donor – giving the gift of sight to two people here in Wisconsin, saving the lives of six people through organ donation, and improving the lives of more than 60 people through tissue donation.

Tony Guzzardo, from Versiti Organ and Tissue, was available to answer technical questions about organ, tissue and eye donation.

Speakers: Dawn Lyons-Wood,
Donor Mom

Tony Guzzardo, BSN, CCRN, CPTC
Community and Hospital Development Manager
Versiti Organ and Tissue

Tuesday, March 17
Digestive Health: How to Keep "It" Moving!
In honor of National Nutrition Month.

Learn:

What fiber is, the different forms, how to determine if a food is a good source of fiber and how to incorporate more fiber into what you're eating
What FODMAPs are and how they are helping those with IBS symptoms
Why the Mediterranean diet has been proven beneficial and how you can incorporate this into the everyday

Speaker: Jennifer L. Vargo, MPH, RD, CD
Outpatient Dietitian, Outpatient Services and GI Clinic
St. Luke's Medical Center

Tuesday, February 18
Gratitude + Mindfulness = A Healthy Heart
Maybe you have heard the word 'mindfulness', but do you know what it 'really' is and how it can benefit your overall health? Being 'present' takes practice and practice leads to a healthier and happier life. Join us for an evening that will give you strategies to be your best self!

Speaker: Lisa Hare, MS
Manager, Performance Excellence
Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, January 14
Resolved: I Will Speak Up and Advocate for Transplantation in 2020

Sara is an active volunteer who has been advocating with Congress on behalf of transplant patients and living donors. She presented new information on the proposed legislation which would create lifetime coverage for immunosuppression medication for transplant recipients, the Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act. She also gave an update on support from Wisconsin's Senators and House of Representative members for passage of the Living Donors Protection Act. We heard how you can add your voice to encourage passage of these two proposed federal laws. Make a New Year's resolution for 2020 to become an advocate for transplant and living donor patients throughout the country!

Speaker: Sara Hicklin
Transplant Recipient from Holman, Wisconsin

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Wednesday, November 20
LIVING DONORS TOGETHER Online Meetup/Webinar
Ms. Prielipp told her amazing donation story that started at the age of fifteen. A presentation on the new HONOR THE GIFT advocacy campaign focused on eliminating the limits on coverage for immunosuppressive medication for kidney transplant patients was presented.
Speakers: Devyn Prielipp, a non-directed kidney donor

Mary Baliker, a Wisconsin patient advocate

Part of the Living Donors Together Program

Tuesday, November 19
Getting Older Day-by-Day: Successful Aging After Transplantation

Aging represents the accumulation of changes over time, including physical, psychological and social changes. When you are a transplant recipient, how does "aging" effect you differently than someone who is not a transplant recipient?

Speaker: Brittany Fasse, MSN, APNP, AGPCNP-BC
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, October 29
Healthy Eating Tricks and Tasty Treats - Transplant Style
Jenny discussed several healthy cooking tips along with a refresher on food safety post-transplant. Kelsey walked through an example of how to makeover a regular recipe into a healthy recipe. Vegetable pizzas made with a zucchini crust were available for tasting.

Vegetable Pizza recipe:
Zucchini Crust recipe
Top with vegetable cream cheese (low-fat) and fresh chopped vegetables

Speakers: Kelsey Ford, RDN, CD
Clinical Dietitian
Fresenius Kidney Care - Madison

Jennifer Bazzanella, RDN, CD
Lead Dietitian
Upper Midwest Region Fresenius Kidney Care

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, October 22
Behind the Scenes: Work, Home and Life After Living Donation
Details to consider for the recovery period after a living kidney donation were discussed, covering the return home, the return to work, financial responsibility and more. A panel of three living donors discussed their varying experiences during their recovery period.

Speaker: Allison Stephans, MSW, APSW
Transplant Social Worker
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

Part of the Living Donors Information Program

Monday, October 21
Heart Your Kidneys
When it comes to vital organs, the heart usually gets all the love, but the kidneys are just as vital, removing waste from the body, keeping blood pressure in check and regulating the amounts of salt, water and minerals in the body. Dr. Vasudev will talk about questions that should be asked of your doctor about good kidney health, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

Speaker: Brahm Vasudev MD, Nephrologist
Associate Professor
Medical College of Wisconsin

Part of the Health and Wellness for Everyone Program

Tuesday, September 24
Beyond the Orange Donor Dot - How the DMV Saves Lives Everyday
During 2018, 603,385 people added their names to the Wisconsin Donor Registry at the Wisconsin DMV.

With a personal connection to donation, Jennifer Holmes shared facts and stories about the amazing work the DMV staff do throughout the state in promoting visitors to 'sign up' to be an organ, tissue or eye donor while at the DMV.

After the presentation, attendees wrote personal notes of gratitude to be sent to the various DMV offices around the state as part of the nationwide celebration of DMV Appreciation Week - September 21-27.

Speaker: Jennifer Holmes
DOT (Department of Transportation) Section Chief - Madison
Former Supervisor, Milwaukee DMV Service Centers

Part of the Living Well Before & After Program

Wednesday, September 18
Living Donors Together Meetup/Webinar
There are currently 270 patients in Wisconsin waiting for a liver transplant! A living liver donor told the story of her experiences. The criteria and process of being considered as a potential living liver donor were also presented.

Speakers: Shannon Sova, RN, BSN
Liver Donor Coordinator
Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin

Cami Loritz
Living Liver Donor

Part of the Living Donors Together Program

Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Spring into Health: Making a Nutrition and Exercise Plan for a Healthier You
It's in your power to make healthy choices. Whether you are a pre-transplant or post-transplant patient, healthy living is important for your quality of life and for a successful transplant. In this program, the UW Health transplant team will offer guidance and resources to help you establish and achieve healthy living goals related to nutrition and exercise.

Part of the Living Well Before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Troubleshooting the Trends: Eating for Your Heart at Home and While Dining Out
Did you know that:
Adults over 18 eat out an average of at least 18 times a month?
54% of Americans are currently trying to reduce their weight?
If you get confused by all the headlines, ads and articles about what you should or should not eat, then don’t miss this program. Kelsey Ford, RDN, CD, a Fresenuis Kidney Care Dietitian will walk you through it all.

Part of the Living Well before & After Transplant Program

Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Oh, The Places You'll Go … Traveling after Transplant
Have you ever thought about going to Africa, Europe or maybe somewhere hundreds of miles from home but in the United States? Traveling after a transplant takes research and planning to make sure you stay healthy and enjoy each day of your trip.

Hear healthcare planning and travel tips from the "real" experts - transplant recipient travelers! You will learn how your transplant center can assist you with making sure you know what to do, especially in an emergency while away from home.

Make a resolution for 2019 to 'see a part of the world you've always wanted to see!

Part of the Living Well Before & After Program

Fall, 2018 Programs

Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Women and Kidney Health
Research is indicating that women have a slightly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease than men. Chronic kidney disease also manifests, progresses, and impacts the body differently for women. This program will talk about the role of the kidneys and their importance to good health.

Speakers: Judy A. Geissler, DNP, APNP, FNP-BC, CNN
Vascular Access Advanced Practice Provider
Medical College of Wisconsin

Barbara Alberti, MS, APNP, FNP-BC
Nurse Practition - Nephrology
US Department of Veterans Affairs - Zablocki Medical Center

Part of the Health and Wellness Program

Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Insurance Challenged?
Want to know more about how to get the best insurance coverage to meet your healthcare and prescription drug needs? Watch the video.

Speaker: Steve Shapiro
Medigap Helpline Services**

**Medigap Helpline Services provides information and help in understanding Medicare and the various types of insurance that surrounds Medicare like Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, Prescription Drug Coverage and employer sponsored or low income programs.

Part of the Living Well Before & After Program

Tuesday, October 23, 2018
ASK THE TRANSPLANT EXPERT:
Making 2019 Another Year of Living Well with Your Transplant
Hear what two transplant experts wish you WOULD ask about, on your next visit to your transplant center.

Speakers: Adam Kallio, BSN, RN
Nursing Supervisor for Abdominal and Cardiothoracic Transplant,
Pulmonary Hypertension, Organ Procurement, Liver Disease and Cardio-Oncology
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Brandi Gwidt, BSN, RN, CCTC
Abdominal Transplant, Liver Disease, and Surgical Oncology Coordinator
Aurora BayCare Medical Center/Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Part of the Living Well Before & After Program

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Behind the Scenes: Communicating Gratitude to Donor Family Members
Understand how recipients and family members of deceased donors make decisions to communicate or even meet with each other. Hear from Wisconsin Organ Procurement Organization and transplant center staff members about helping to create connections of gratitude!

Speakers: John "Tony" Guzzardo, RN, BSN, CCRN
Organ Procurement Coordinator
Wisconsin Donor Network

Ginny Korkko, MSW
Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Social Worker
Froedtert Hospital & Medical College of Wisconsin

Part of the Living Well Before & After Program

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
The Big Ask for the Holidays … Finding a Kidney Donor

More than 100,000 people nationally are waiting for a life-saving organ. But how do you ask someone to donate a kidney to save your life? Hear from a panel discussion of living donors and recipients about their journey. With the holidays coming, many people will see an extended circle of family and friends. It's a good opportunity to start a conversation about organ donation.

Facilitator: Allison Stephans, MSW, APSW
Abdominal Transplant Social Worker
Froedtert Hospital

View the PowerPoint Presentation

Part of the Living Donor Information Program

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