By Stephen Z. Fadem, MD, FACP, FASNThis is a summary of the article “The role of serum phosphate control in supporting transplant readiness in patients on dialysis,” authored by Laura A. Williams, MD and me in August 2025.(1)
Meet Mayra NievesMayra Nieves is an elementary school teacher in Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida. Her journey with kidney disease began in 2018. She had always been a healthy person, but after having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, she learned she had an autoimmune disorder and that her kidney function was affected.
Kent Bressler, Living Donor Kidney Transplant Recipient, AAKP Ambassador and Board Of DirectorKent’s journey with kidney disease started in 1970 when he was drafted into the United States Army.
For nearly two decades, AAKP Ambassador Fiona McKinney has lived with dialysis while remaining determined to stay as healthy and informed as possible. Her story reflects the resilience of patients managing kidney disease—and the importance of phosphorus awareness in protecting long-term health.
Chrissy Huffman was 23 years old and pregnant with her third son when doctors discovered her kidneys were failing. What should have been a joyful time was suddenly filled with fear and uncertainty. To support her baby’s growth, she was given weekly steroid injections and amino-stasis.
Q&A with Bruce Culleton, MD, Chief Executive Officer, ProKidney, Inc.
Tell us about your first experience with a kidney patient, personally or professionally, and what impressions that left on you as a fellow human being? My earliest recollection is an experience during my Internal Medicine training 30 years ago.
Image created in PhotoshopBy Stephen Z. Fadem, MD, FACP, FASN, AAKP Medical Advisory Board ChairWhen most people think about their kidneys, they imagine two quiet organs that make urine and filter waste. Important, yes—but easy to overlook. In reality, your kidneys are deeply connected to nearly every system in your body.
By Orlando A. Torres, AAKP AmbassadorReceiving a kidney transplant on December 4, 2020, is one of life’s greatest blessings. My journey to transplantation was extraordinary — a story of faith, science, and the power of human kindness.
Annamarie Rodriguez, MS, RDN, LD, DipACLM, FAND Let’s make 2026 the year of the New You! Or maybe the New Gut! Making simple changes to the diet builds a stronger and healthier gut, which means a stronger and healthier you!
As we head into 2026, members of AAKP’s National Board of Directors and Ambassador program are sharing their goals for the upcoming year! What are yours?Start 2026 off right by becoming an AAKP member! Visit and share this link today: www.aakp.org/join Here’s what AAKP members are saying about 2026. In their own words...