Lunch Ideas for Children Following Renal Diet August 2, 2019 by wpengine Making school lunches can be complicated; making school lunches that are low-sodium and renal conscious can feel next to impossible. We’re here to assure you tasty snacks can be both kidney-friendly and tasty! First, let’s start off at every child’s favorite time– snack time! Make their day by packing some juicy apple slices topped with delicious almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon to preface the great lunch you have planned. Apple with Cinnamon Almond Butter: Directions: Core apples and cut into 8 slices. Spread each slice with a little almond butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. Now it’s time for the main course– lunch! Your child can munch on this low-sodium take on a classic egg salad sandwich. This easy to make finger food is sure to lead your child believe you’re a much better chef than you actually are (wink, wink)! Egg Salad Sandwich: Ingredients: 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 2 bunches green onion, chopped ⅓ cup light sour cream 2 tablespoon mayonnaise ½ teaspoon ground mustard 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar ½ teaspoon onion powder ⅛ teaspoon black pepper ⅛ teaspoon paprika Directions: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, ground mustard, red wine vinegar, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Stir until well combined. Add hard-boiled eggs and green onion, stirring until well blended. Sprinkle additional paprika on top for color, if desired. Once they have finished their delicious sandwich, it is time to move on to a sweet treat. Your little one will love these chocolate almond pizzelles. Thinner than a traditional cookie, it’s also a fun activity to make these desserts with your child. Chocolate Almond Pizzelles: Ingredients: 3 large eggs 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted 2 teaspoons almond extract 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder Topping: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup butter, cubed 2 tablespoon baking cocoa 2 tablespoons water 4 teaspoons almond extract Chopped almonds Directions: Preheat pizzelle maker. Beat first four ingredients until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; stir into egg mixture. Bake in pizzelle maker according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Cool completely on wire racks. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir until smooth. Stir in cocoa, water and extract until blended. Drizzle over pizzelles. Sprinkle with almonds; let stand until set. Store in airtight containers For more lunch ideas and information on how to follow a low-sodium diet, check out these links: https://nephcure.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Low-Sodium-Diet-Guidelines.pdf https://www.chop.edu/news/bag-lunch-ideas-patients-recommended-follow-renal-diets We hope everyone has a great school year!
Kidney Conscious Memorial Day Munchies May 22, 2019 by wpengine Memorial Day is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than with delicious, low-sodium, kidney conscious recipes that will taste as good as they sound? From the main course to sweet desserts we have recipes for you. To start off the ‘unofficial start of summer,’ you’ll need an appetizer. For this pre-dinner course, we have provided a recipe for a refreshing zippy strawberry salad. You can taste the summer fruits and flavors with this dish that will make everyone at your party go for seconds. Zippy Strawberry Salad Dressing: 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 1⁄3 cup white wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. curry powder 1 tsp. soy sauce (low sodium) Salad: 10 cups torn salad greens 1 ⁄ 2 cup slivered almonds, toasted 1 cup grapes (red/green), halved 2 cups sliced strawberries 1 ⁄ 2 cup crushed, unsalted pretzels 2 cups mandarin orange segments Directions: 1. Combine all dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. 2. Toss together salad greens and strawberries with dressing. 3. Sprinkle with almonds and pretzels. Serve immediately. Now that you have had a snack to hold you over until dinner, you can start prepping your meal by getting the grill ready for some delicious BBQ salmon. This recipe is sure to satisfy while remaining low-sodium and low-protein. This will have your guests so impressed they will be waiting to see what is for dessert. BBQ Salmon Ingredients: 4, 3 oz salmon filets, deboned 1 lemon, sliced 1/4 Cup fresh dill, chopped 1 Tbsp whole grain dijon mustard 4 Tbsp olive oil 1/4 tsp black pepper Directions: 1. Heat the BBQ to medium-high heat 2. Place each fresh or frozen salmon filet on a piece of aluminum foil 3. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp of olive oil 4. Add a small squirt of Dijon mustard (1/4 Tbsp), pepper to taste, 1/4 of the fresh dill, and a few slice of lemon 5. Wrap with the aluminum foil, making sure to seal the edges well 6. Add the salmon over direct heat. I prefer my salmon cooked well-done, and this takes only about 5-6 minutes but it would only take around 4-5 minutes for medium. Feel free to open up the aluminum foil to check on the doneness! To finish it all off, the grand finale is a raspberry cheesecake mousse. This cold desert will cool everyone off after having fun in the sun. You will be able to taste the variety of flavors without guilt as it will fit your dietary needs and fill your stomach after a long day. Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Ingredients: 1 cup light, whipped topping 1 8oz pkg. cream cheese, room temperature 3 ⁄4 cup Splenda, Granular 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries Directions: 1. Beat cream cheese until fluffy and beat in 1 ⁄2 cup Splenda Granular until melted. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla. 2. Reserve some raspberries for garnish. Crush remaining raspberries with a fork and stir in remaining 1 ⁄4 cup Splenda Granular until melted. 3. Fold light, whipped topping into cream cheese mixture and gently but quickly fold in crushed raspberries. Spoon mousse into 6 serving glasses and chill until ready to serve. 4. Garnish mousse with fresh raspberries and a sprig of fresh mint before serving. We hope everyone has a safe, happy, and healthy Memorial Day weekend.
Countdown to a Cure: Chicago February 15, 2016 by wpengine The final countdown has begin to the NephCure Kidney International Chicago fundraiser. This inaugural event will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at Architectural Artifacts, Inc., 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL. Chicago natives Alap Patel and Amanda Schackart are co-chairing this event. “When Amanda first started having health issues, it felt like the world around us was crumbling. We didn’t know what was happening, and we didn’t know what to expect. Not knowing was the worst,” says Al. “When she was actually diagnosed with FSGS, our instant reaction was to learn as much as we can about the disease. The problem, we soon realized, is that so little is actually known about it. We soon learned about NephCure, and started attending their events and seminars. We found them incredibly invaluable, but it wasn’t enough. “This is why Amanda and I are co-chairing this committee for the inaugural Crusade for a Cure Gala, here in Chicago. More research needs to be done on FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. More people need to be aware of these issues, and the impact it has on millions of families across the US. We want to build a community in Chicago where families affected by these issues can know more and learn more from each other. We want to support a network of doctors who can discover more. We need more, we want more, and we want to give more. It is estimated that kidney disease affects 31 million people in the United States alone, with African Americans being 3 times more likely to experience kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 Americans were killed by kidney disease, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer. Some doctors believe kidney disease of this nature might be the next epidemic of our generation. “We are thrilled to finally bring this fundraiser to Chicago,” said Jayne Drew, Director for NephCure Kidney International. “The gala is in its 12th year in New York City and we believe we can have just as great of an impact here in Chicago.” TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE. Please join our crusade. Buy tickets or donate to the event online at support.nephcure.org/cdtac-chicago-2015. BIDDING NOW OPEN: Everyone can bid on the Silent auction items by texting CRUSADE to 52182 – shipping within the continental US.
Be Your Own Best Advocate February 15, 2016 by wpengine Hi, my name is Amanda, I’m an attorney, live in Chicago, and I have FSGS. When I was 26 I began gaining weight unexpectedly and a kidney biopsy a couple weeks later confirmed the diagnosis. Immediately I began steroid treatments, and responded well; however when we attempted to wean off the steroids, the symptoms returned. After another failed round of steroids, I temporarily lost my health insurance and was unable to see a doctor. Fortunately, I was able to eventually obtain insurance and then was quickly admitted to the hospital because the swelling was so extreme. I’ve been on Cyclosporine, Cellcept and now started Prograff and fortunately my kidney function has remained stable. Throughout my treatments, NephCure has been an important resource for me, grateful for the opportunity to interact with other patients and to talk to experts in the field. My friends & family think I am fierce – I won’t let anything stand in my way. Some people assume that a rare disease diagnosis would stop your life in its tracks. But I’ve learned that things that would have caused anger or provoked frustration in the past seem unimportant now. Life is way too short to spend fighting or being upset about the little things. My husband Al and I now spend time advocating, fundraising, and working tirelessly with NephCure to help fund the cure for FSGS. We know what we want and what we all want is a cure! We need more, we want more, and we want to give more. Won’t you join us in this fight? Sincerely, Amanda
NephCure Kidney Walk Returns to Houston Area Saturday, November 14th November 10, 2015 by wpengine Houston, TX (November 10, 2015) – The NephCure Kidney Walk returns to the Houston area this Saturday, November 14th to a new location in The Woodlands. The walk brings together Houston area patients, friends, and family dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to find improved treatment options and a cure for primary Chronic Kidney Diseases, including FSGS and nephrotic syndrome. The walk will be held at Alden Bridge Park – The Woodlands, 7725 Alden Bridge Dr, Spring. Registration opens at 9 and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Immediately following, there will be fantastic raffle prizes and a silent auction with the chance to win tickets to the Houston Astros. There is no registration fee, although teams are encouraged to raise at least $500, with a total event goal of $20,000. The event is open to the public, but registration is encouraged in advance at support.nephcure.org/Houston. Local walk participant Trista Vigil will again be participating in the Houston Walk and asks that you join her this Saturday. “Why NephCure?”, says Trista. “Because it’s personal! It was early May of 1998, just days away from my 14th birthday and I noticed significant swelling in my eyes, lower extremities, and torso. After a doctor’s visit, a hospital stay, and a trip to a pediatric nephrologist 3 hours away from my home town I was told that I had nephrotic syndrome. My official diagnosis of minimal change disease wasn’t “official” until my first biopsy in 2007.” “It was in 2005 that I came across NephCure while doing some online searching about the disease itself.” remembers Trista. “NephCure’s website had so much information. It was about 2 years later that I got involved, I was involved when the Colorado chapter was started and it was amazing to meet people who knew what I was going through. Up until that point I had never met anyone elsewho had MCD, NS, or FSGS. It was wonderful to know that there were people out there that wanted to make my life better by saving kidneys and saving lives!” I recently had a biopsy in October of 2015 and my diagnosis is still the same, which is a relief, but this disease still impacts my life on a daily basis. Every relapse is heartbreaking. Like most people I want a cure, I want better treatments, I want to save my kidneys. NephCure is helping and I am so grateful and honored to be part of the discussions, part of the NephCure Walks, part of NephCure. I have met some amazing and inspirational individuals through NephCure, I just wish we didn’t all have in common what we have in common.” It is estimated that kidney disease affects 31 million people in the United States alone, with African Americans being 3 times more likely to experience kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 Americans were killed by kidney disease, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer. Some doctors believe kidney disease of this nature might be the next epidemic of our generation. To register or donate to the NephCure Kidney Walk, please visit support.nephcure.org/houston or contact Jayne Drew at jdrew@nephcure.org About NephCure Kidney International NephCure Kidney International (NKI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity established in 1999. Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, NKI is the only organization committed exclusively to supporting research to identify the cause, improve the treatment, and find the cure of the two potentially debilitating kidney diseases, Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). ####
NKI Grand Rapids Walk October 18th October 15, 2015 by wpengine Grand Rapids, MI – The NephCure Kidney Walk returns for the 4th year to the Grand Rapids area, Sunday, October 18th. The walk brings together area patients, friends, and family dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to find improved treatment options and a cure for primary Chronic Kidney Diseases, including FSGS and nephrotic syndrome. The walk will be held at Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave SW in Walker, MI. Registration opens at noon and the walk begins at 1 p.m. There is no registration fee, but teams are encouraged to raise at least $1,000, with a total event goal of $10,000. The event is open to the public, but registration is encouraged in advance at support.nephcure.org/GrandRapids. The NephCure Kidney Walk is especially meaningful to local residents and co-chairs Heather Luchies and Tressa Hollinger. Both of whose lives and families are impacted by these conditions. “Being involved in the planning of this walk is my way of giving back to NephCure, who are working hard to find a cure for my disease”, says Heather. “Plus I find it helps “embrace” my disease rather than sit on the couch and do nothing about it.” Both Heather & Tressa will be on their local Fox 17 station this Saturday morning at 7:40 to do a live interview about the NephCure Kidney International Walk this Sunday. “This is what I’ve wanted since we partnered with NephCure and started the walk” says Tressa. “More awareness to find a CURE! Let’s rock this Heather Luchies!” To register or donate to the NephCure Kidney Walk, please visit support.nephcure.org/GrandRapids or contact Jayne Drew at jdrew@nephcure.org
NephCure Kidney International to Host First-Ever Fundraising Gala in Chicago October 8, 2015 by wpengine Chicago, IL (October 8, 2015) – Just one month until NephCure Kidney International’s (NKI) Chicago fundraising gala. This inaugural event will be held on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at Architectural Artifacts, Inc., 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL. The event, themed “Crusade for a Cure” and sponsored by Rush University Medical Center, will bring together the most generous heroes of Chicago to raise money for research and finding a cure to the debilitating chronic kidney diseases Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). “We are thrilled to finally bring this fundraiser to Chicago,” said Jayne Drew, Regional Director for NephCure Kidney International. “The gala is in its 11th year in New York City and has raised more than $6 million. We believe we can have just as great of an impact here in Chicago.” Co-chairing the gala are Chicago natives and couple, Alap Patel and Amanda Schackart. “When Amanda was diagnosed with FSGS, our instant reaction was to learn as much as we can about the disease,” said Patel. “The problem, we soon realized, is that so little is actually known about it. This is why Amanda and I got involved with NephCure Kidney International. More research needs to be done on FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. More people need to be aware of these conditions, and the impact it has on millions of families across the US. We want to build a community where families affected by these diseases can know more and learn more from each other. We want to support a network of doctors who can discover more.” “We need more, we want more, and we want to give more!”, says Schackart. Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidneys. The result is that beneficial protein is spilled from the kidneys into the urine and is lost. Over time, this condition can result in renal failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The cause of Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known, it can affect anyone, and there is no cure. FSGS is a leading cause of kidney failure in children. It is estimated that kidney disease affects 31 million people in the United States alone, with African Americans being 3 times more likely to experience kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 Americans were killed by kidney disease. More than breast cancer. More than prostate cancer. Tickets prices to the gala start at $125 per person, with VIP table options available, and include local cuisine, libations, raffle, as well as a silent auction. For more information about NephCure Kidney International, to purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event website here CRUSADE, or by texting “CRUSADE” to 52182, or email Jayne Drew at jdrew@nephcure.org. About NephCure Kidney International NephCure Kidney International (NKI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity established in 1999. Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, NKI is the only organization committed exclusively to supporting research to identify the cause, improve the treatment, and find the cure of the two potentially debilitating kidney diseases, Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). ### Media Contact: Jayne Drew jdrew@nephcure.org 267-261-4918
Chicago is Walking for a Cure this Weekend! September 17, 2015 by wpengine Co-chair Sue Rogers walks for her son. The NephCure Kidney Walk returns for the 9th year to Chicagoland this Sunday, September 20th. The walk brings together Chicago area patients, friends, and family dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to find improved treatment options and a cure for primary Chronic Kidney Diseases, including FSGS and nephrotic syndrome. The walk will be held at Centennial Park, 1776 W. Centennial Place, Addison, IL. Registration opens at 9 and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Music, food, and games will be held afterwards, plus fantastic raffle prizes, including a pair of tickets to the inaugural Countdown To A Cure Chicago fundraising gala themed Crusade For The Cure on Friday, November 6th at Architectural Artifacts at 4325 N Ravenswood Ave., Chicago. The walk is open to the public, but registration is encouraged in advance at Chicago Walk. The NephCure Kidney Walk is especially meaningful to Romeoville resident and walk organizer Sue Rogers, whose son has been dealing with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) for over 11 years. “I love the support I have found from parents I’ve connected with through the walk,” said Rogers. “Some have been through so much already with their children, including dialysis and a kidney transplant. I admire their strength. Just being able to talk to another mom who understands what you are going through helps me maintain my sanity when I question myself how I’ll manage to handle it all.” Chicago native Aries Merritt won the bronze medal in the 110m hurdles in Beijing at the world track and field championships last month, with less than 20 percent kidney function caused by FSGS – days before receiving a kidney transplant. It is estimated that kidney disease affects 31 million people in the United States alone, with African Americans being 3 times more likely to experience kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 Americans were killed by kidney disease, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer. Some doctors believe kidney disease of this nature might be the next epidemic of our generation. Start your team today! Team fundraising is a great way to get your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors involved. Click on “Start a Team“ to get started or go to support.nephcure.org/chicago to join a team. Cannot physically make the event? Maybe you have a wedding on walk weekend. Or your son or daughter has a soccer game. Maybe you’re moving to a new house. We get it. Fall can be a busy time. But remember just because you can’t make it to walk day, doesn’t mean you can’t keep the tradition alive and make an impact by fundraising in support of NephCure Kidney International. Leave your footprint as a Virtual Walker. Please join in the fun & fundraising and setup a Virtual Walk Team and share with your friends & family on social media. We need everyone’s involvement. You will still be able to earn the commemorative Walk T-shirt! Click on “Start a Team“ to get started or go to support.nephcure.org/chicago to join a team. REMEMBER – You can still Fundraise for your Walk team AFTER the walk is over for the remainder of 2015. So it’s not too late! Share your Team Fundraising Page & Photos on Social Media! Make sure you share frequently your page and event photos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and with your email lists. Use the hashtags #Selfies4NephCure #NKIWalk #Chicago A special thank you to Chicago Walk Co-Chairs Sue Rogers and Julia Bacarella – We are thankful for all that you do! To register or donate to the NephCure Kidney Walk, please visit support.nephcure.org/Chicago or contact Jayne Drew at jdrew@nephcure.org
Atlanta NKI Walk Celebrates it’s 6th year September 26th. September 16, 2015 by wpengine Team Macy Ray The NephCure Kidney Walk returns for the 6th year to the Atlanta area, Saturday, September 26th. The walk brings together Atlanta area patients, friends, and family dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds to find improved treatment options and a cure for primary Chronic Kidney Diseases, including FSGS and nephrotic syndrome. The walk will be held at Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive in Norcross, GA. Registration opens at 9 and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Music and entertainment will feature local band Fatback Deluxe. Food and games for the children will be held afterwards, plus fantastic raffle prizes and a silent auction. There is no registration fee, but teams are encouraged to raise at least $1,500, with a total event goal of $32,000. Walk volunteers Michael and Alisan Parnes are one of the families leading this event in honor of their sons, Zion and Donovan. Both boys were diagnosed with FSGS in 2009. “This disease caused Zion’s kidneys to fail when he was only 6 years old. He spent a year on dialysis and had a kidney transplant at 7 years old. Donovan is still living with this disease and our hope is that better treatments or a cure will be found so that he will never have to endure kidney failure and transplant”, says co-chair Alisan. “This is our 6th year walking in honor of our boys and the thousands of others affected by this terrible disease.” Basketball stars Alonzo Mourning and Sean Elliot both suffered from FSGS. Elliott became the first player to return to the NBA after a kidney transplant, in the Spurs game against the Atlanta Hawks in 2000. Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidneys and the cause is not known. FSGS is a leading cause of kidney failure in children. It is estimated that kidney disease affects 31 million people in the United States alone, with African Americans being 3 times more likely to experience kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 Americans were killed by kidney disease, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer. Some doctors believe kidney disease of this nature might be the next epidemic of our generation. We want to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers, including Oxygen Financial, Gas South, Atlanta Braves, Fat Matt’s Rib Shack, and Fatbuck Deluxe. A special thank you to the wonderful team at the Roswell Junior Woman’s Club for their ongoing support and volunteers for the event. To register or donate to the NephCure Kidney Walk, please visit support.nephcure.org/atlanta or contact Jayne Drew at jdrew@nephcure.org
Kidney Healthy Holiday Recipe Swap and Chat December 4, 2014 by wpengine What’s for Lunch? What’s for Dinner?? What a STRUGGLE…right??? Add in the challenge of dietary restrictions due to Nephrotic Syndrome AND the Holidays!! It can become maddening. The NKI NephSpace Healthy Holiday Eating Recipe Swap and CHAT is coming up on Tuesday December 9th at 8:30 PM Eastern time and it’s just what you need to take a step in the right direction and store away a nice collection of recipes. It’s as easy as pie to join us for the chat: Email patientadvocate@nephcure.org to register. In the subject line, simply type NS Chat and in the message let us know if you have any specific recipe requests or questions about how to connect. If you’ve not had a change to do so, you’ll need to sign up for a NephSpace account Here. Leave us a note on the CHAT page and let us know what recipe you are looking for. Just show up on Tuesday December 9th at 8:30 PM Eastern time with a recipe to swap, share or something you want to know about making an old favorite, more kidney friendly. Joining us for the chat will be the Education and Engagement team, Kelly, Sandie and Lauren, along with Kirsten Michel our intern. Our Very Special Guest will be Daniella Toto, a Nutrition Major at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, who will be help guide the chat and provide tips on swapping out some traditional recipes with equally tasty kidney-friendly fare! Looking forward to talking with you online!! NKI Department of Education and Engagement