UK Transplant Patient, Navigator to Advocate for Kidney Awareness on Capitol Hill

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 2, 2015) – University of Kentucky Transplant Center Patient Navigator Elaine Milem, also a transplant patient at UK, has been selected by the American Kidney Fund (AKF) to participate in the organization’s sixth annual advocacy day on Capitol Hill on March 4, 2015. Milem and 11 other patient-advocates from across the nation will raise awareness of kidney disease on Capitol Hill and participate in a variety of events in Washington.

AKF is the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization serving people with kidney disease and is a leader in driving advocacy for kidney patients across the country. Milem is a member of the AKF Advocacy Network, which includes more than 4,500 kidney patients and caregivers nationwide. This annual Capitol Hill event provides patient-advocates the opportunity to meet with lawmakers on issues of importance to the 31 million Americans that are living with kidney disease and also raise awareness for the one in three Americans at risk of the disease. 

During meetings with Congressional offices, Milem and other patient-advocates will focus on the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act, legislation that would improve care for individuals with chronic kidney disease by addressing gaps in research; improve beneficiary access to treatment; and create economic stability for providers caring for individuals with chronic kidney disease.

Milem will meet with the offices of Senators McConnell (R-KY) and Paul (R-KY), Representatives Guthrie (R-KY) and Barr (R-KY), and will also participate in Kidney Action Day on the Hill. Hosted by AKF, this awareness-raising event is open to the public and features free kidney health screenings, fitness activities and educational materials about kidney disease.

“There is a glaring lack of education about kidney disease in the general population and among the patients themselves. I became an advocate to help raise awareness for kidney disease and its effect on patient lives,” Milem said. “It’s important for me to not only raise awareness in my local community, but to speak with my members of Congress about important kidney related issues. I hope my visit to Capitol Hill will help my members of Congress be better informed when making decisions on important pieces of legislation to the kidney community.”

Milem is a two-time kidney transplant patient and currently works with dialysis patients as a transplant navigator and advocate with the UK Transplant Center. Milem received her first kidney transplant in 2007 but it was unsuccessful due to a rare infection caused by the BK virus. She was on dialysis treatments for three years, until she received her second transplant in 2012. Because of her struggles with kidney disease, she previously lost both her home and job. She understands the financial difficulties that patients in the kidney community face, and hopes to help others from becoming desperate and discouraged while dealing with kidney disease.

“The American Kidney Fund is proud to bring dedicated members from our Advocacy Network to Washington to raise awareness of kidney disease with Congressional leaders,” said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. “Our patient-advocates represent the 31 million Americans living with kidney disease and the challenges they bravely face each day. By sharing their stories, they play a crucial role in the fight against kidney disease by providing Congress a glimpse into the lives of those who are directly impacted by health policy decisions made in Washington.”

For more information about the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Perry, (859) 323-2399 or allison.perry@uky.edu