Nichole M. Jefferson, MBA
Citation: Kidney News 16, 10/11
A patient who has been on dialysis and received a kidney transplant will discuss the patient experience in a talk entitled “There Is No Debate: Patients Should Be Part of the Selection Conference” at the Celeste Castillo Lee Endowed Lectureship on Friday, October 25. The speaker, Nichole M. Jefferson, MBA, is a risk management and compliance analyst for Wells Fargo in Dallas, TX.
When Ms. Jefferson was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2003, she was taken by surprise and unaware of its meaning. After experiencing both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, she preferred the convenience of peritoneal dialysis.
She received a kidney transplant in 2008. The many obstacles that she faced following her transplant led her to the realization that a transplant is simply another form of treatment and not a cure. This understanding sparked a quest for knowledge, which turned to enthusiasm for advocacy in kidney care. She relied on this devotion and encouragement for what she describes as her “fight for a second transplant” in April 2024.
Ms. Jefferson has volunteered with local chapters of the National Kidney Foundation. Spurred by the lack of recognition of the prevalence of kidney diseases in the Black community, she sought to raise consciousness in her community and in underserved populations. She began speaking with legislators regarding the need for early detection and other issues relating to chronic kidney disease.
In 2015, she was selected to join the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Advocacy Committee. In 2016, she was invited to get involved with the Kidney Health Initiative's Patient and Family Partnership Council. In 2017, she joined the board of directors of Home Dialyzors United and was elected president of the board. These opportunities have allowed her to broaden her audience to include nephrologists, researchers, scientists, and other key stakeholders in the kidney community.
