Temple Hospital Holds Health Fair To Mark World Kidney Day
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today is "World Kidney Day," and they celebrated in a big way at Temple University Hospital with a fair featuring healthy cooking demonstrations, a Zumba class, even information booths from organizations that work with those who suffer from kidney disease.
Dr. Crystal Gadegbeku, section chief of Temple University's Division of Nephrology and associate professor at the medical school, says she's thrilled for the opportunity to educate people about kidney disease and promote kidney donation.
"You don't feel anything (when you have kidney disease)," she explains. "You won't know you have kidney disease until it's way, way, way too late. The most common causes of kidney disease are hypertension and diabetes."
That's why, she says, being screened through urinalysis and blood testing are crucial.
No one knows that more than Jordan Albuck, who after years with kidney disease received a transplant in January 2005.
He recalls being told at the time that he was second in line to get that kidney.
"The phone rang. 'Jordan, get in the car. It's your kidney.' There's two people I think about every day: the person who didn't receive the kidney in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the woman whose kidney I did receive. I can't thank her or her family, but I'll always remember her."
Temple officials say they plan to make this a yearly event.
