I would like to formally thank the AKPSG, Daystar, Somebody Care, and especially Janice for the fresh vegetables and wonderful groceries. You truly are a blessing.
Terry Beale
US Marine Veteran and Kidney Patient
Quinten R. Welch was a man of integrity, intelligence, and invaluable service. He was a fearless kidney advocate who looked out for the rights of kidney patients. He was full of care and compassion for others, willing to speak for those who could not speak for themselves.
Quinten understood the way to make change was to write things down and document. He believed in unity for the cause and help to prioritize AKPSG’s agenda. He believed in accountability for those serving the kidney community.
Quinten’s passing is a huge loss. He served on the AKPSG Board as the Treasurer. He was very knowledgeable in the area of policy and procedures. His care, concern, and contributions along with his love will truly be missed by the kidney community.
Quinten’s final Prayer, In the name of Jesus, I curse at the root , every sickness, system, disease, pain, and virus, discomfort and infirmity that has tried to attack my body or ever does. Sickness and disease I say to you Go! Come out of my body in the name Jesus ! You are illegal and have no authority in my life.
Quinten R. Welch
Kidney Patient
Wally and I just wanted to send you and AKPSG a thank-you! Today is our one year kidney transplant anniversary. I couldn’t have done it without the kindness, education and support that you and AKPSG provided for Wally and me. We both thank you from the bottom of our heart with all our love.
With education and support from AKPSG, Terry Harmer donated her kidney to her husband Wally Harmer! This is a letter of appreciation from them on their 1 Year successful kidney transplant.
Wally And Terry Harmer
Kidney Patient/Organ Donor
One week before Daystar opened its new facility last summer, its newest partner met for the first time in our training room.
Founded in 2009 by patient advocate Janice Starling, herself a kidney transplant recipient, the All Kidney Patient Support Group provides a place where folks at various stages of dialysis and treatment can come together to learn techniques to manage their disease, find emotional support and gain insights for navigating the healthcare system.Ms. Starling grew curious about the construction taking place at Daystar’s new facility. She watched the building grow and was delighted by its sunny colors. She drove around the property and said to herself, “Lord, this is a place where AKPSG can have our meetings. It has wheelchair access, excellent lighting, great location and looks like enough room.” I prayed, she said, and asked God to allow favor and blessing for AKPSG.
After reaching out to Executive Director Jane Walker, the two met and Ms. Starling talked about the health disparities kidney patients face. Ms. Walker wanted to learn more about kidney patient diets and meal preparation to serve Daystar’s clients who are also on dialysis or suffering from kidney disease.
When the coronavirus hit, the group’s members were especially challenged because of their compromised immune systems. Those with a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection (immunosuppressive) medication to keep their bodies from rejecting the kidney. These drugs also make them particularly susceptible to infections of any kind.
Ms. Walker realized these immunocompromised neighbors would find grocery shopping especially challenging and suggested collaboration between Daystar and AKPSG to give out kidney friendly food. While each patient has his or her own special needs, Ms. Starling bases the menu on a renal diet, low in sodium, phosphorous, protein and sugar.
Florida End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network 7 sent a flyer about the food program to every dialysis center social worker in Pinellas and neighboring counties. Patients call Ms. Starling to sign up to receive the food boxes monthly. In July they averaged between 55 and 65 recipients. The program continues to grow, she said.
On the last Monday of each month, Ms. Starling and her dedicated volunteers from Angelia’s Hair Safari, which adopted AKPSG in 2012, come together to pack the boxes of food. The next day they return to distribute them to participants through a car line to limit exposure. “AKPSG recognizes this is a continued need in the kidney community,” Ms. Starling said. “This is primarily due to the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, both of which are leading causes of kidney disease, in people of color.
Heidi Cornell
Daystar Life Center
