FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (November 2024) – Continuing to Make a Difference in The Community
National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin was proud to join Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin as well as the Milwaukee Bucks by hosting kidney health screenings at the Thankful Hearts, Healthy Starts community health fair. This profile of the event includes an interview with NKFW Board Member, Dr. Beje Thomas.
CBS 58 (November 2024) – Bucks, local groups host community health fair at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A handful of local groups are partnering with the Bucks to make sure the community’s health gets off on the right foot. It’s called Thankful Hearts, Healthy Starts. The health fair was Tuesday afternoon at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. Froedtert staff, along with the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, offered up free services like flu shots and health screenings. But if you ask the kids who were there what they thought the best part was, it was meeting Bucks forward Bobby Portis.
The Earl Ingram Show (November 2024) – Looking Out for Your Health
Earl kicks off a Mo-Town Monday joined by Dr. Beje Thomas and Nurse Morgan Miller from Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin to talk about the Thankful Hearts, Healthy Hearts Health Fair they are hosting at Spring Community Center in Milwaukee. In the first segment, Dr. Thomas, a nephrologist and National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin board member, discusses the importance of preventive care for kidney health. Then, Nurse Miller talks about the importance of regular checkups and more.
TMJ4 (August 2024) – Increasing kidney disease awareness during Minority Donor Awareness Month
Stephanie Brown sat down with volunteers from National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin including Saryea Murchison (transplant recipient), Natasha Coe (living donor), and Dr. Beje Thomas (transplant nephrologist). The group discussed kidney donation and transplant in minority communities. “The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin is working to increase awareness and bridge the gap between the demand for organ transplants and the supply of donated organs.”
Waukesha Freeman (August 2024) – ‘100 plus miles’ fundraising cycling event on Saturday
WAUKESHA — Mike Crowley, CEO of National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, is continuing his mission to raise funds and awareness of kidney disease, organ transplants, and good kidney health.
Waukesha Freeman (July 2024) – “Crowley to Bike 100 Miles to Support Kidney Health”
“WEST ALLIS, WI – On Tuesday, July 9, Mike Crowley, CEO of National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin (NKFW) is setting off on a 100-mile bike ride to promote NKFW’s Kidney Adventures campaign. In what has become an annual tradition, Crowley is riding to raise awareness and funds to raise awareness of kidney disease, organ transplantation, and good kidney health.”
WEAU-TV (June 2024) – “UW Health kidney transplant recipient and donor meet for the first time”
“MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Two women met in-person for the first time since one made the lifesaving decision to donate her kidney to a stranger at UW Health.” Hawbecker was inspired to donate by National Kidney Foundation.
CBS 58 (June 2024) – “The Organ Trail: Man plans trek across 4 states raising awareness for kidney donations”
“MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A Wisconsin man is riding his bike 1,200 miles across four states, all in an effort to raise awareness for living kidney donations.” NKFW CEO, Mike Crowley is shown and was proud to participate in rides with The Organ Trail as part of his Kidney Adventure.
99.1 WMYX FM “The Mix” (June 2024) – “The Organ Trail is coming to Milwaukee to raise awareness about organ donations!”
“Living kidney donor, Elizabeth Kay, interviewed fellow kidney and liver donor Mark Scotch about his upcoming “Organ Trail” bike ride to Milwaukee to help educate and raise awareness about organ donation.” NKFW CEO, Mike Crowley is mentioned and will be joining the ride on June 7, 2024 as part of his Kidney Adventure.
99.1 WMYX FM “The Mix” (May 2024) – National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin Shout Out
NKFW CEO, Michael Crowley, gave a shoutout to living donor and kidney advocate Elizabeth Kay of 99.1 WMYX – and she returned the favor!
TMJ4 (May 2024) “The Ultimate Act of Generosity: Kidney Donated to her Best Friend’s Dad”
“MILWAUKEE — When the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin launched its Kidney Adventures campaign, I learned of the ultimate acts of generosity.
That leads us to the story of Sarah Weaver who was on a mission to keep her father alive, telling anybody who would listen.
Her best friend Michelle Schuerman, stepped up to be that lifesaver.
Now, Richard Hanusa is living his best life with Michelle’s kidney ten years later.”
TMJ4 (April 2024) “‘I Already Feel That Bond:’ Wisconsin Woman Donates Kidney to Stranger”
“Imagine waking up one day and feeling as if you want to give the gift of life to someone and that someone is a total stranger.
Laura Jones did just that.
After much thought, research, and blessing from her family, Jones embarked on a two-year journey of altruistic kidney donation.”
Waukesha Freeman (April 2024) “National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin gala raises over $80,000”
“WAUKESHA — National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin recently held a gala in Waukesha which raised $83,000.
The Spotlight on Life: A Gala Celebrating More Healthy Years was held on March 14 at the Ingleside Hotel to celebrate kidney health and organ transplant. Living donor and local radio personality Elizabeth Kay shared her personal story about kidney transplant as well as Spotlight Storytellers Michelle Schuerman, Sarah Weaver, and Dick Hanusa.”
101.3 FM WPJQ – HD Higher Dimension Radio (April 2024) “Soul of the City Gospel Radio Show”
Milwaukee – Sister Saryea and Brother Dennis celebrated Donate Life Month on Soul of the City Gospel Radio Show on Monday, April 15. Carolyn Spath, Director of Community outreach for NKFW was honored to join living kidney donor and community advocate Markesha Grayson for this wide reaching discussion on organ transplantation.
Washington County Daily News (April 2024) “West Bend Library Hosts Ceremony Celebrating Donate Life Month”
“WEST BEND — On Monday afternoon, the West Bend Community Memorial Library hosted a ceremony celebrating Donate Life Month, an entire month of activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.
The ceremony included raising a flag at 1:08 p.m., followed by one minute and three seconds of silence.
According to National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin Community Outreach Director Carolyn Spath, the specific time of the ceremony represented represent that one organ donation can save up to eight lives.
Spectrum News 1 (April 2024) “I Just Want Him to Live the Fullest Life He Can: Wisconsin Boy Receives Gift of Life Through Kidney Donation”
“MILWAUKEE — If you ask Greyson Neubauer anything about bowling, he’ll know the answer. He just turned 5 and his birthday party theme was bowling.
When Neubauer isn’t talking about bowling, he’s flipping through sports sticker books to help pass the time during dialysis at Children’s Wisconsin.” Featuring NKFW volunteer Andrea Weisman.
WPR The Morning Show (April 2024) “Wisconsin Kidney Specialists Offer Insights on Medical Advances”
“The Massachusetts General Hospital recently completed the world’s first successful transplant of a genetically altered pig kidney. A pair of Wisconsin kidney specialists share their insights on this milestone. Then, we dive further into chronic kidney disease, including transplantation and dialysis.” Featuring NKFW volunteer, Dr. Anna Gaddy.
Northern Kettle Living (April 2024) “A Lifesaving Journey: How Organ Donation & Transplants Give Life to a Community”
“In an illuminating conversation between Best Version Media (BVM) and Versiti, the spotlight is cast upon an article celebrating the significance of April as Donate Life Month. This Article delves into the depths of organ donation and the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities at large.
Besides gaining insight from Versiti, the article also highlights Nancy Larson, an organ donor, as well as Less Casati, an organ recipient.” National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, Versiti, Larson, and Casati partner in an annual celebration of Donate Life Month at West Bend Community Memorial Library.
The Organ Trail (February 2024) “Hometown Hero Award”
National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin CEO, Mike Crowley, was proud to join Mark and Lynn Scotch in Madison as they received the Hometown Hero Award from the Wisconsin State Assembly. Mark and Lynn were nominated for this award because of their advocacy work for living organ donation. Photos of the event as well as several news articles about the award are linked below.
Waukesha Freeman (December 2023) “Oconomowoc woman is beacon of hope for organ transplantation recipients”
“OCONOMOWOC — Nearly 58 years ago, Charlotte Markle, now 81, of Oconomowoc received a lifesaving kidney transplant at Mayo Clinic. It was only preceded by one other full organ transplant at the Mayo Clinic, and Markle is the longest-living organ transplant survivor, making her story and treatment historic.
In her youth, Markle did not have any idea that something was wrong with her kidneys. She knew that she was unusually tired, but didn’t think anything of it.”
Channel 3000 (July 2023) “National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin wraps up fundraiser event”
“MONONA, Wis. — The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin marked its annual Cool Beans Adventure with a closing celebration Saturday morning.
The hybrid event raised awareness and funds to support those impacted by kidney disease across the state. Participants logged miles through different activities.
During Saturday’s ceremony, participants came together as a community to give out awards and honor those who have experienced kidney disease or an organ transplant.”
Waukesha Freeman (July 2023) “National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin hosts hybrid fundraiser”
“WAUKESHA — The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin is hosting Cool Beans Adventure 2023 — a 10-day hybrid fundraiser to increase awareness and visibility of kidney diseases and organ transplantation in Wisconsin.
The fundraiser will begin virtually on Wednesday and will be capped by an in-person closing ceremony at Fireman’s Park in Monona on July 22.”
WISN 12 (July 2023) “91-mile Bike Ride Will Kick Off Fundraiser for National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin”
MILWAUKEE – National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin CEO, Michael Crowley joins the afternoon news to discuss 2023 Cool Beans Adventure, the importance of organ donation, and kidney health.
Waukesha Freeman (April 2023) “National Kidney Foundation hosts Pewaukee event”
“PEWAUKEE — On March 30, nearly 200 friends and supporters of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin gathered at the Ingleside Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, to recognize their anniversary with Spotlight on Life: A Gala Celebrating 55 Years of Hope.”
West Bend Daily News (April 2023) “West Bend library raises flag for organ donation awareness”
“WEST BEND — April is National Donate Life Month and the West Bend Community Memorial Library hosted “Pause to Give Life” on Monday and to raise the Donate Life flag, simultaneously with many other Donate Life events across the state, in the park behind the library to celebrate the month.”
Northern Kettle Moraine Neighbors (April 2023) “April is National Donate Life Month: Here is how you can get involved.”
“Did you know that one tissue donor can save and heal the lives of 75 people?”
Waukesha Freeman (December 2022) “Woman gets kidney donation from neighbor she never met”
“BROOKFIELD — Cindi Wentlandt, owner of Skin Deep Spa in Brookfield, was in dire need of a kidney transplant.
Her kidney stones, which are normally made up of calcium, were made up of other materials, which is rare, she said. Over the decades, it affected her kidneys, which led to kidney failure. There were people who offered to donate but didn’t pan out.”
MKE Lifestyle (December 2022) “Amazing Sacrifice: A local radio host donates a kidney to help her mother-in-law receive a working kidney”
“MILWAUKEE – When Camille Hamme opened a Christmas gift in 2020 under the watchful eyes of family sitting in a circle, inside the box was a kidney bean — a symbol for the real gift she was about to receive.
Her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Kay, morning show host on WMYXFM (99.1 The Mix), had been cleared to donate a kidney in a paired exchange program that would save Camille’s life. Camille was born with poor-functioning kidneys, and despite making lifestyle changes, eating clean and managing her Type II diabetes, she learned she was in stage 4 kidney failure.”
Waukesha Freeman (July 2022) “National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin to have ‘Cool Beans Adventure’”
“WEST ALLIS — The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin (NKFW) is hosting their six-day virtual event to raise awareness for kidney health and organ donation while supporting NKFW from July 29-Aug. 3.
The event coincides with the Donate Life Transplant Games being held in San Diego. The Cool Beans Adventure will kick off Friday with NKFW CEO Mike Crowley cycling 100 miles to raise critical funds and awareness for the organization.”
