Anyone who knows me knows two things: I have lived outside the United States as both a child and an adult, and I love to travel. 

The most relevant part of my story is that I received an isolated intestinal transplant in December 2022. About a year and a half later, I took my first international trip post-transplant. 

I do not remember much about the three years leading up to my transplant, but my parents promised to take me anywhere in the world WHEN – not if, as I would pragmatically say – I felt better. That is how we ended up spending two weeks in England on what I cleverly named my “Thanks-for-Not-Dying Trip,” like a reverse Make-A-Wish. Surprisingly, my parents were not nearly as amused by the name as I was. 

We spent time in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, followed by a week in the Lake District, where Beatrix Potter lived and created her children’s books. Did I mention that I am a bit of a nerd? 

It was the perfect first trip. I had visited Stratford before, so it felt familiar, and neither destination was too busy or overwhelming. Before my transplant, I was only awake for a few hours each day. Although I now have much more energy, I still need daily naps, and this trip gave me the flexibility to rest. 

This summer, three and a half years after my transplant, we took another two-week trip, this time to Scandinavia. The first part was a cruise beginning in Norway and ending in Amsterdam, where we stayed for several additional days. 

Before anyone questions the wisdom of an immunocompromised transplant recipient going on a cruise, believe me, I had the same concerns. Cruise ships are known for outbreaks of illnesses such as norovirus, and buffets can present additional food-safety risks. Add thousands of people sharing one space, and there is plenty for any traveler, especially a transplant recipient, to consider. 

We selected our cruise carefully. It was adults-only, carried fewer than 1,000 guests, emphasized restaurants rather than buffets, and had three physicians and five nurses onboard. The cruise line also accommodated my medical needs with refrigerator space for my fluids, extra pillows so I could sleep at an incline, reserved seating during bus rides, and plenty of ginger ale. 

Normally, my dad plans our trips, and he is excellent at it, but this time we worked with a travel agent who arranged both the cruise and our flights. This helped reduce potential complications from delays, cancellations, or unexpected medical issues. My dad also contacted the airline, TSA, and cruise company so we knew what to expect. 

Here are some of the lessons we learned. 

Ask for the help you need 

The airline can note that you have a disability and may require accommodations. You do not necessarily need to disclose your diagnosis. 

Wheelchair assistance or an airport cart can make long terminals, security lines, and connections far less exhausting. Early boarding also gives you additional time to settle in and safely store your carry-on items. 

I used a Hidden Disabilities sunflower lanyard during both of my international trips. More than 350 airports participate in the program, and some offer sunflower lanyards, sensory rooms, and quiet spaces. 

Plan carefully for medications and supplies 

All of my medications stayed with me in my carry-on luggage. I brought more than I needed for the scheduled length of the trip in case we experienced a canceled flight, an unexpected hospital admission, or another delay. 

Research the medication laws of every country you plan to visit. A medication that is legal with a prescription at home may be restricted elsewhere. Keep medications properly labeled and carry copies of your medication list and letters from your medical providers. 

My medical needs are unusually complex. I run three liters of IV fluids each day, and the bags must remain cool because they are customized according to my weekly laboratory results. I traveled with more than 150 pounds of supplies packed into two large trunks. Each trunk contained a detailed inventory, along with letters from my physician and infusion pharmacist. 

Airline policies for medical equipment and baggage vary, so contact the airline well in advance and ask what documentation, weight limits, or special arrangements may apply. 

I also carried an extra infusion pump, electrolyte packets recommended by my medical team, snacks for low blood sugar, an extra change of clothes, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, masks, and a foldable cane. 

My days of traveling light may be over, but my days of traveling are not. 

Expect additional screening 

During my first post-transplant trip, I still had feeding tubes, an ileostomy, a central line, and plenty of scars. When I was selected for a pat-down, I requested that it be done privately. It was no big deal. I have been through much worse. 

On our return from this most recent trip, customs officers questioned us several times about our medical trunks. Once they saw me waiting in a wheelchair and understood what the luggage contained, we were able to continue without a problem. 

Patience, documentation, and a sense of humor go a long way. 

My three biggest pieces of advice 

1. Communicate. 

Speak with your transplant and medical teams well before your trip. This is not necessarily about asking permission. It is about learning how to travel as wisely and safely as possible. 

Ask whether your destination is medically appropriate, what to do during an emergency, and where you should seek care if something happens. Review your medications early enough to arrange any necessary refills. 

You should also seriously consider travel insurance. Read the policy carefully so you understand what is covered, including cancellations, medical treatment outside your home country, and emergency evacuation. Be prepared for the possibility that you may need to pay for care upfront, even with insurance. 

2. Plan, plan, PLAN. 

Several months before our trip, I began a running list of questions, supplies, and tasks. 

Request a letter from at least one of your medical providers that includes your name, the provider’s contact information and license number, confirmation that you are under their care, and an explanation of why you need your medications or medical supplies. 

Research the entry requirements, medication restrictions, electrical outlets, weather, accessibility options, and healthcare resources for each destination. The more you know before leaving, the easier it will be to handle the unexpected. 

I would rather be overly prepared than discover thousands of miles from home that I forgot something important. I should have been a Girl Scout. 

3. As much as possible, go with the flow. 

Even with careful planning, something unexpected will probably happen. Arrive at the airport earlier than you think you need to. Give yourself time to rest, ask for assistance, and adjust when plans change. 

Most importantly, have fun. Allow yourself to experience something new, or something you once loved and thought you had lost. Take the chances. Make memories. JUST LIVE! 

Now that my family and I have learned how to manage international travel with all my medical needs, I keep telling my parents we have to keep traveling. It would be a waste of all that work not to do it again, right? 

I also couldn’t have made this trip without my wonderful mama. Because of my health-related limitations, I still need a lot of help with daily tasks. My mom is my daily aide here in the U.S., and she continued to provide that care and support throughout our travels. Her help made this trip possible, and sharing these memories with her made it even more special.

My experience is specific to my transplant and medical conditions, but I hope it gives other transplant recipients a helpful starting point. Whether you are an experienced traveler or planning your first post-transplant trip, work with your medical team, prepare carefully, and remember why you are going.

Making memories for yourself and with the people you love is one of life’s greatest gifts, right alongside the ultimate gift of “not dying.”

Recently, I found myself in the emergency room battling a serious infection. When my symptoms first appeared, I wondered if I might be dehydrated, so I paid closer attention to my fluid intake. But as the pain and fatigue increased, I knew I needed medical attention. Like many transplant recipients, one of my first concerns was what the infection and possible dehydration could mean for my newly transplanted kidney.

One of the instructions I received was to stay hydrated, but not only with water. My care team also recommended electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. That made me realize that although we hear a lot about hydration, we may not always understand the difference between replacing water and replacing electrolytes.

Why hydration matters after transplant

Water helps our bodies circulate blood, regulate temperature, remove waste, and maintain the right balance of minerals. Significant dehydration can lower blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury and placing added stress on a transplanted kidney. The National Kidney Foundation notes that severe dehydration can quickly damage kidneys.

However, more is not always better. Some people need to limit fluid intake because of reduced kidney function, heart problems, swelling, or other medical conditions. Fluid needs can also change with hot weather, exercise, illness, and certain medications, so transplant recipients should follow the daily fluid goal recommended by their care team.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals, including sodium, potassium and magnesium, that help regulate fluid balance, muscle function, nerve signals and heart rhythm. We normally obtain them through food and beverages, while our kidneys help keep their levels balanced. When we lose fluids through heavy sweating, fever, vomiting or diarrhea, we may lose electrolytes along with water. This is why water alone may not always be enough during certain illnesses or periods of significant fluid loss.

But electrolytes are not automatically beneficial just because they are marketed as healthy. Too much or too little sodium, potassium, or magnesium can cause problems. This is particularly important for transplant recipients whose kidney function, medications and laboratory values can affect how these minerals are processed.

When water is generally enough

For routine daily hydration, including meals, errands, walks and light or moderate exercise without heavy sweating, water is usually the best place to start. If you are eating normally and not losing a significant amount of fluid through sweat or illness, your meals will generally provide the electrolytes you need. Carrying a water bottle, drinking regularly, and following the fluid goal set by your transplant team can make hydration easier to manage.

When an electrolyte drink may be helpful

Electrolyte drinks may be helpful during vomiting, diarrhea, fever, heavy sweating, prolonged activity in hot weather, or an illness that makes it difficult to eat and drink normally.

This was the situation I encountered. Because I was fighting an infection and unable to eat and drink as I normally would, my medical team wanted me to replace more than water alone.

Sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions are not the same. Sports drinks are generally designed to replace some fluid, carbohydrates, and electrolytes lost during exercise. Oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, use a more specific combination of glucose and electrolytes intended to help the body absorb fluid during illnesses involving vomiting or diarrhea.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends replacing both fluids and electrolytes during diarrhea. It also advises people with weakened immune systems, kidney disease, diabetes, or other health conditions to ask a clinician which product and amount are appropriate.

For transplant recipients, this is not something we should have to guess about. A quick call to the transplant team can help determine whether water, an electrolyte drink or medical evaluation is most appropriate.

Not all electrolyte drinks are the same

The electrolyte beverage aisle has grown enormously. There are sports drinks, powders, tablets and enhanced waters marketed for energy, recovery or wellness. Their ingredients can vary widely.

Before choosing one, look at:

• Sodium: It helps replace sodium lost through sweat, vomiting or diarrhea, but some products contain more than you may need.
• Potassium: Products containing large amounts may not be appropriate for someone with elevated potassium or reduced kidney function.
• Sugar: Glucose helps the body absorb water and sodium in a properly formulated oral rehydration solution, but that does not mean every sugary beverage is helpful.
• Added ingredients: Caffeine, herbal blends, stimulants, and unfamiliar supplements should be reviewed with the transplant team or pharmacist because they may not be appropriate or could interact with medications.

A label that says “electrolytes” does not necessarily mean the product is right for your current needs. The appropriate drink may depend on your kidney function, blood pressure, blood sugar, laboratory results, and medications.

My biggest takeaway: listen to your body

Water remains my everyday choice. Electrolyte drinks may have a role when I am losing both fluids and minerals or when my medical team recommends one. But no amount of water or electrolytes could have treated my underlying infection. When my pain and fatigue continued to increase, I needed medical attention.

We work so hard to care for our transplanted organs. Staying hydrated is part of that responsibility, but so is listening to our bodies, recognizing when something has changed, and knowing when it is time to ask for help.

Important note: This article reflects my personal experience and is intended for general education. It should not replace guidance from your transplant team. Ask your care team about your individual fluid and electrolyte needs, especially during illness or extreme heat.

Sources referenced

National Kidney Foundation: Can Dehydration Affect Your Kidneys?

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Treatment of Diarrhea

Over the past week, I had the opportunity to be part of two experiences within the transplant community that, while different in setting, were deeply connected in purpose. Whether standing in a busy exhibit hall or speaking to clinicians and researchers, one thing became clear: connection and advocacy build upon one another. 

Connection creates the space for stories to be shared, and advocacy ensures those stories are heard. 

Where Connection Begins 

On June 18^th, I traveled to Denver for the Transplant Games of America, where I represented the TransplantLyfe community alongside my friend and colleague LaVise. From the very first day in the TGA Village, we were completely overwhelmed in the best possible way. 

Patients, care partners, and family members continuously stopped by and shared their stories. Each interaction reinforced how powerful it is to simply listen. 

I spoke with a woman who received her transplant in 1994 and has been coming to the Games for decades. When we talked about TransplantLyfe, she shared how meaningful it was to see something like this exist now. At the time of her transplant, there were no resources to connect, so she spent years building support groups herself. During our conversation, I could tell she had done so much for this community, as many people stopped by to give her a hug or a friendly pat on the back. I knew I was in the presence of someone who has made a lasting impact. 

We also invited people to take a short survey about side effects, and so many were eager to participate. One man immediately stepped up and said, “Oh boy, do I,” joking about whether we’d have enough room to capture them all. There was humor in those moments, but also a deeper truth: side effects are a constant and often invisible part of daily life. 

Those conversations stayed with me, especially knowing I would soon be speaking about these same challenges in a clinical setting. 

Just before we wrapped up our first day, one attendee said: “Thank you for being here listening and for all the work that you do.” It was simple, but it underscored how meaningful it is to create space for people to feel heard. 

Where Connection Becomes Advocacy 

That sense of connection carried into my experience speaking at the American Transplant Congress on the hidden burden of transplant success. 

Over the past nine years with my kidney transplant, I’ve come to understand that survival is only part of the story. As I sat on that stage, I wasn’t just sharing my own experience, I was carrying the voices and honesty I had just witnessed days before. 

When it came time to speak, I shared my journey, including receiving a kidney from my mom, who gave me life not once, but twice. I spoke openly about living with side effects, tremors, additional medications, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, brain fog, and the uncertainty about the future. 

As I looked out at the room, I felt encouraged by the willingness to listen. There was openness from clinicians about the burden patients carry and the need for better solutions. 

One quote that stayed with me was: “Change is difficult, not changing is fatal.” 

It reinforced how important it is to bring patient experiences into these conversations, because the stories shared in community spaces are the same ones that can shape the future of care. After the session, several practitioners came up to thank me for sharing my story. As patients, we often express gratitude; to have that gratitude reflected back was something I will never forget. 

Connection and Advocacy, Together 

Looking back, what stands out most is how these experiences come together. 

The conversations in community spaces are not separate from those happening in clinical settings – they are the foundation. 

Connection is where stories begin and advocacy is how those stories create change. 

This week reinforced that when we listen, share, and carry those experiences forward, we create the potential for something bigger, not just for ourselves, but for the entire transplant community.

About Riccardo Braglia and The Journey Through the Desert

Recorded live from the New York City book launch on June 2 at La Goulue, this intimate event featured Riccardo Braglia and Karin Hehenberger. Riccardo is an author, healthcare entrepreneur, Lyfebulb co-founder, and cancer survivor who underwent a bone marrow transplant. In addition, he brings decades of leadership in oncology research.

He was joined in conversation by Karin, a physician, transplant recipient, and Lyfebulb’s president and co-founder. Together, they explored the deeply personal journey behind his book.

Photo: Riccardo and Karin at La Goulue on June 2nd, 2026

Leadership and Purpose After Illness

This conversation explores themes of cancer resilience, survivorship, patient advocacy, and transformation, highlighting the human side of serious illness and the strength required to rebuild life after diagnosis. Riccardo’s story is a testament to the importance of perspective, innovation in healthcare, and the role of community in healing

Watch or Listen to the Full Conversation

You can watch the full conversation above to listen in podcast form.

JOIN US!

 

The TransplantLyfe – Temple Health 2026 Patient Summit East will feature dynamic panel discussions where patient-identified challenges are addressed directly by medical experts, researchers, and patients. Attendees will hear real stories from patients and families and receive practical tips from healthcare providers that they can use right away. All sessions will be delivered in simple, everyday language.

We aim to bridge the gap between the medical world and the everyday challenges that patients face. At the summit, we’ll talk openly about real barriers such as navigating the healthcare system, understanding medical information, managing costs, and building trust with providers. The focus is on elevating the patient voice and sharing practical, down-to-earth advice that patients, families, and professionals can all put into practice.

Building on the foundation we created together last year, this year’s summit continues our shared commitment to supporting patients across the full transplant journey. Our goal is simple and consistent: to help patients understand their care, navigate the system with greater confidence, and move forward – from pre‑transplant through post‑transplant – with the support they need.

Whether you are patient, care partner, or clinician, the TransplantLyfe – Temple Health 2026 Patient Summit East will offer a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from others.

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Who is Attending?

This summit is designed for patients and families at different points along the transplant pathway, including:

 

• Patients exploring transplant as an option
• Patients undergoing evaluation or on the transplant waiting list
• Transplant recipients
• Family members, care partners, and support partners

 

Agenda

This summit is designed to feel approachable, respectful, and useful – focused on what patients and families actually need:

• Patient‑centered discussions, not lectures
• Temple clinicians and coordinators speaking directly with patients
• Real patient and donor experiences shared openly and honestly
• Clear, practical information that can be used immediately
• Time and space for questions, conversation, and connection

_______________________________________________________________

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Resource Fair

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Opening Remarks

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | The Patient Journey

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Dialysis to Transplant: What Patients Need to Know

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Connection Break

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Living Donation Stories & Support

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Free Lunch & Patient Meet-Up (In-Person)

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Life After Transplant

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM | Innovation in Transplantation:

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Wrap-Up, Q&A, and Networking Reception

WHY ATTEND?

Learn

Learn from patients, doctors, nurses, and experts who care about your success. Get strong tools and advice you can use at home.

Connect

Connect with others who share your experience.

Innovate

Join the conversation about making transplant care better for everyone.

April is Donate Life Month, and it also marks the anniversary of my own Gift of Life on April 20, 2015. Throughout the month, communities come together to honor organ donors whose generosity makes second chances possible. It is a time to reflect on the incredible impact of these donor heroes and to express deep gratitude to their families, as well as the medical teams, hospital staff, and loved ones who support transplant recipients. Truly, it takes far more than a village to make organ donation and transplantation possible. 

A few days ago, I experienced something incredibly unique and deeply emotional that I feel compelled to share. I had the honor of attending an Honor Walk at a hospital, held at the request of a family to recognize their loved one who had passed. For privacy, I will refer to her as “T.” She was someone I knew well, a true transplant warrior who had received the gift of a heart and lungs a few years ago. Sadly, she had recently been hospitalized with an infection that could not be managed. 

Her family and close friends, including myself and a few fellow transplant recipients, gathered in her room around her bed. Prayers were shared, memories were spoken, and we each had the chance to say our goodbyes. T had made the decision to be an organ donor and had clearly communicated those wishes to her family. Because of that, and with their full support, members of the Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) were present to help coordinate the process and provide support during such a difficult time. 

It was finally time. The hospital bed was prepared for transport to the operating room. Moments earlier, an announcement had been made over the hospital’s PA system, inviting all available staff to assemble outside T’s room for the Honor Walk. 

The bed, surrounded by family, was gently pushed down a long corridor. On both sides of the hallway, people stood shoulder to shoulder, doctors, nurses, technicians, cleaning crews, security personnel, and loved ones. We were all there to honor and say goodbye to a potential organ donor, someone whose final act could give others the chance to live. As we moved down the hallway, music played softly from a Bluetooth speaker, Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely.” 

Once inside the operating room, a clinical team from the OPO became involved in the recovery of any viable organs after it was confirmed that she had passed. 

On our way out of the hospital, we saw an SUV from the OPO ready to transport recovered organs to the next recipient. 

The following day, we learned that T’s liver had been recovered and transported to a hospital about 300 miles away in New York. I remember visiting her a few years ago while she was waiting for her heart and lungs. She even joined my virtual support group from her hospital room. After a long wait, she finally received “the call” and was transplanted. 

Then, just the other day, someone else received “the call” for a liver that would allow them to live, all because T had said “Yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation. That is what I call the full circle of life. While T may not be here physically, she lives on. Truly, 

Organ Donation + Transplantation = Miracles 💯. 

Experiences like this are why awareness and education during Donate Life Month matter so much. 

During April, many transplant centers and hospitals host Flag Raising Ceremonies to honor and remember organ donors. These brief ceremonies bring together hospital leadership and OPO teams to reflect, express gratitude, and celebrate recipients whose lives have been saved. Often, recipients, living donors, and donor families share parts of their journey. 

This April, I have been fortunate to speak at over 10 of these events. I share a small part of my story, focusing on gratitude and what transplant has meant to me over the past 11 years, while also highlighting the ongoing need for organ donation. 

I hope to inspire those on their own transplant journeys and encourage everyone to consider organ donation. You can become a Donate Life Ambassador through your local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) and you can find your local OPO by visiting “Find your OPO.” 

My best wishes to all those who are waiting for a life-saving transplant. Your perfect gifts will become available at the right time. In the meantime, please try to stay positive and take care of yourselves so you can be in the best possible mental and physical state, allowing for a smoother transplant journey and healing with the best outcomes. 

To my fellow recipients, let us continue to stay compliant, look after ourselves, and take care of the precious gifts of life we have been fortunate to receive, while living our lives as fully as possible. 

To those who are not yet registered as organ, eye, and tissue donors, I encourage you to consider doing so. At the very least, have a conversation with your loved ones and make your wishes known. 

To register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, please visit: https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up/how 

Introducing Living Donor Facilitator Maribel Costell, who became a passionate advocate for living donation after donating a kidney to her father. During this webinar, Maribel debunks common myths surrounding living donation, walks through what the living donor evaluation (work‑up) process looks like, and shares thoughtful guidance for those in need of an organ transplant on how to approach this often-difficult conversation.

Registered dietitian Maiya Hogan shares practical tips for grocery shopping, reading nutrition labels, and making heart healthy choices after transplant. A helpful guide for anyone looking to support long-term heart health through everyday habits.

Tips and Tricks:

Healthy eating does not have to be complicated. Small swaps, like choosing lower sodium options and paying attention to labels, can make a big impact. You can also rinse canned food products like beans and vegetables before using them. Even low sodium versions can have extra salt that rinses off quickly under running water.

Making your own dressings is an easy way to control ingredients and avoid extra salt. For ideas, explore this simple dressing guide: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/salad-dressing/

The proposed Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA) of 2025 (S.1552 / H.R.4583)  is bipartisan federal legislation introduced in 2025 to protect living organ donors. Protections like the LDPA are essential to helping reduce the national transplant waiting list, which currently includes more than 100,000 individuals. Such legislation may encourage more people to consider becoming living organ donors for those in need of life-saving kidney and liver transplants. 

Key Aspects of This Legislation 

Insurance Protections: 
Once enacted, insurance companies would be prohibited from discriminating against living organ donors—this includes denying coverage, limiting coverage, or charging higher premiums simply because someone is a donor. 

Job Security: 
When the law is (hopefully) in effect, recovery from organ donation surgery would be covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This means donors will be able to take unpaid leave while recovering, with job protection to ensure they can return to work. 

Status and Next Steps 
Current (Federal*) Status:  
on February 26, 2026, the LDPA advanced through the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), moving it one step closer to becoming federal law. 

On March 11, 2026, the LDPA was reported to the full Senate. 

Next, the legislation will be debated on the Senate floor, followed by a final vote after any amendments are addressed. If approved by the full Senate, it must be reconciled with the House version before being sent to the President, who will either sign it into law or veto it. 

Call to Action 
We can all reach out to our representatives to ensure that LPDA becomes law. Our voices matter. Every day, people die while waiting for a life-saving transplant. 

*There are also state-level laws that provide protections for living organ donors. 

New platform supports patients with chronic kidney disease and dialysis through connection, education, and peer support

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, on World Kidney Day, Patient Care America, a premier renal healthcare provider specializing in precision medicine nutrition support and clinical solutions for kidney disease patients, is proud to announce the launch of KidneyLyfe.com, a safe, moderated place where people living with kidney disease can connect online, feel supported by peers, and share experiences with others who face similar challenges.

KidneyLyfe was created to address the isolation many patients experience by offering a safe, supportive online space where individuals can connect with others who understand their journey, access trusted education, and feel more empowered in their care. The platform is designed for patients at every stage of kidney disease, as well as care partners supporting loved ones. 

“This launch reflects our commitment to putting the patient first in everything we do,” said Philip Keough, President & CEO of Patient Care America. “KidneyLyfe is designed around the real needs of people living with kidney disease, supporting individuals as active participants in their care.”

Through KidneyLyfe, members can access:

• One‑to‑one connections with fellow patients who share similar experiences;
• Discussion forums to exchange insights, ask questions, and find peer support;
• Podcasts, blogs, and webinars featuring real patient stories and expert perspectives; and
• Educational resources that extend learning beyond the clinic, informed by both lived experience and clinical expertise.

“Experiencing chronic illness is isolating and finding peer support is often difficult through traditional channels,” said Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD, Founder of Lyfebulb, a Patient Care America company. “That’s why we created KidneyLyfe – to offer a supportive online space where patients can connect, learn, and feel empowered. This platform is about bringing people together, sharing real experiences, and making sure no one faces this disease alone.”

KidneyLyfe is part of Patient Care America’s broader commitment to advancing patient‑centered care by developing solutions that support individuals with kidney disease beyond the clinic and empower patients in their healthcare decisions.

Patients and care partners are invited to join the community at www.kidneylyfe.com.

About Patient Care America

Patient Care America is a premier renal healthcare provider specializing in precision medicine nutrition support and clinical solutions for kidney disease patients. PCA offers evidence-based therapies such as IDPN (Intradialytic Parenteral Nutrition) and IPN (Intraperitoneal Nutrition) to help manage malnutrition and improve clinical outcomes. Backed by published research, its therapies are trusted by nephrology teams and dialysis clinics nationwide. PCA also offers bundled prescription medications, streamlining delivery and supporting improved medication adherence. PCA advances its commitment to supporting patients beyond the clinic with the patient empowerment tools delivered through its Lyfebulb platform.

www.pcacorp.com

About Lyfebulb

Lyfebulb is a Patient Care America company focused on empowering people living with chronic diseases through education, innovation, and connectivity. Lyfebulb developed and operates both TransplantLyfe.com and KidneyLyfe.com, community‑driven platforms that empower patients to achieve optimal health outcomes, as well as an app to help patients keep track of symptoms and medications, called TransplantLyfe365.

www.lyfebulb.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD
Chief Medical Officer
Patient Care America
Karin@Lyfebulb.com
+1 917 227 8523

SOURCE Patient Care America