Self-Advocacy and Kidney Disease: Finding your Voice

Living with kidney disease often means navigating a complex health care system, managing appointments, treatments, and making critical decisions about your health. One of the most powerful tools you have on this journey is your voice.

Join us for an in-depth conversation featuring panelists with lived experience and care partners. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to advocate effectively. Learn strategies for working collaboratively with your care team and finding answers when things don’t go as planned.

In this session you will gain:

• Real-life strategies to help you prepare for appointments and conversations
• Tools to participate in shared decision-making
• Tips on how to support and advocate for a loved one

Whether you're living with kidney disease or a caregiver, this session is designed to help you take a more confident, informed, and active role in shaping your kidney journey.

The webinar is in English, with simultaneous translation in French.

Presenters

Michael McCormick

Michael has been on hemodialysis since 1987, at the age of 18. He has spent considerable time in the hospital and medical system, dealing with complex complications related to Chronic Kidney Disease. He contributed to the formation of the ORN PFAC, recently receiving acknowledgement for 10 years as a member of the PFAC. Michael is also a founding member of CanSOLVE-CKD, a national research organization focused on Patient Oriented Research objectives, with a special focus on Indigenous Health needs. Outside of living with CKD and related volunteering roles, Michael recently retired froma 30+ year career in the Financial Services industry. Michael lives in Toronto with his spouse, Heather, and their furry cat child, Spicy C.

Arynn Abercrombie

Arynn is mom to a 9-year-old boy who was born with CKD, secondary to posterior urethral valves. At three years old, her son, Daxton, received his first living kidney transplant from his father. An unusual complication caused this kidney to clot off and it was removed 5 days later. At 5-years old, after a short time on peritoneal dialysis, he received a deceased donor kidney. This kidney lasted 5 weeks before a very serious yeast infection at the graft site caused it to be lost as well. Her husband and Arynn were by his side while Daxton fought for his life. Daxton has been on hemodialysis for 4 years now and she has been with him every step of the way as his caregiver, liaison, and his advocate. She interacts tirelessly with the medical team on his behalf. She and Daxton visit the university of Alberta 3 afternoons each week so that he can receive treatment. She has navigated the hospital system and an extensive medical team for all 9 years of Daxton’s life. She has 4 older daughters as well, ais a foster parent, and was a teacher prior to becoming a parent.

Cleo Slattery

From wife and mother, employee and now to full-time caregiver, Cleo's journey has been one of love, resilience, and transformation. For the past seven years, she has cared for her spouse through kidney disease and other complex health challenges—learning to navigate the healthcare system and becoming both advocate and partner. These experiences reshaped their lives and deepened her strength which she's grateful for every lesson, every struggle along the way.

As a self-employed Employment Liaison and Coordinator, she guides clients through change and growth. Her caregiving journey allows Cleo to connect on a personal level with those facing life transitions, uncertainty, or reinvention. Caregiving for her spouse has been an emotionally complex journey, sometimes it can be confusing and exhausting as you navigate all the appointments and daily responsibilities of your loved one. Cleo's honored to share her story in hopes of inspiring empathy, empowerment, and connection.

Kathy Schmidt

With over 30 years of nursing experience, Kathy has had the privilege of working across a wide spectrum of healthcare settings, from rural outposts to large tertiary care centres.

For the past 25 years, her professional focus has been in Nephrology, a field where she has found both professional challenge and personal reward. She has served as a front-line Hemodialysis nurse, a clinical instructor mentoring staff, and worked in a Multidisciplinary kidney care clinic. Most recently, she has taken on the role of Transplant Liaison, supporting, coordinating and educating patients during their journey towards kidney transplant.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is helping patients understand their condition and empowering them to take charge of their health. Whether it is slowing the progression of kidney disease or making informed treatment decisions, she believes knowledge and support are key to improving not just outcomes, but quality of life.

Outside of work, she finds balance and inspiration in nature and community. She enjoys spending time on her boat or kayaking in the beautiful Georgian Bay, hiking local trails, getting lost in a good book, and sharing coffee and conversation with friends.

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The Kidney Foundation would like to thank our 2025 Webinar Series sponsors for making this event possible.