Risa Simon, CMC

Risa Simon, founder of Simon Says Seminars, inc., and TransplantFirst Academy—and an award-winning author, speaker, mentor, consultant, and transplant whisperer

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Hoping to Find a Living Kidney Donor? Download the Donor Seeker® Mobile App to Fast Track Your Search To End Your Wait for a Transplant.
https://t.co/OzHikJO5kp
*Check Out The Companion Workbook: The Donor Seeker Story Planner & Search Guide. https://t.co/3jxTftTKNS

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Living Donor Protection Act (LDPA) was reintroduced into the 119th Congress! Recently revived Senate Bill 1552 joins two new companion bills in the House, HR 4582 & 4583 to protect living organ donors.
TAKE ACTION TODAY. https://t.co/qBTVQ0uzmy

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on the importance of rural kidney patient inclusivity—and the need to fix access hurdles to dialysis and transplant. Read more about Rural Kidney Health Disparities here: https://t.co/3iNxkQUwXw

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Mask Tips Shake COVID’s “Isolation Rut” for Transplant Recipients

Does it seem like everyone has tossed their masks and gone back to “life before the pandemic?” If so, you’re not alone, but staying alone could make things worse. Read more here: https://t.co/S5z7orSSwi

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

How Long Does Your COVID Vaccine Last?

Immunity is thought to wane after three or four months, though a typical antibody response is only half of the picture. Learn about a rapid blood test [called the dqTACT assay] that measures activation of T cells. https://t.co/RUHnitoFe6

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Ae COVID Tests Meaningless? Negative tests 3-5 days or more days in a row can lead to a positive result thereafter. Don't ass-u-me anything, as this pandemic is still serving up plot twists. https://t.co/x1ZkYLUi05 utm_medium=offsite&utm_source=flipboard&utm_campaign=all

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Kidney Transplant Patients Who Think Fighting Off Early Signs of COVID with The Antiviral Drug, Paxlovid® Should Consider Other Options Due to Serious Transplant Medication Interactions with Anti-rejections Drugs Like Tacrolimus

Learn more here: https://t.co/HIQ1Wctevi ;

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Why haven’t wearing masks made much difference? Because airplane passengers remove their masks to have a drink and restaurant patrons take theirs off as they walk in the door. * 25 to 30 percent of Americans consistently wear their masks below their nose! https://t.co/IIDfRZhuaA

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

New York lawmakers pass the "Living Donor Support Act" (A146A) where the state will reimburse state-resident organ donors for out-of-pocket expenses (including lost wages and more). The bill is not only supporting donors, its estimated to save 100+ lives each year.

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Back at it advocating for kidney patient health initiatives during AAKP/RPA's Hill Day. Talking up Living Donor Protections, Telehealth, Education, Screening, Research Funding and more! Great Day! #KidneysOnTheHill, #kidneyAdvocates

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

@SenatorSinema Thank you for your generous time today and for continuing to support kidney patient health initiatives! Your policy advisor, Sylvia, took our AAKP/RPA Hill Day call to the next level! #KidneysOnTheHill, #kidneyAdvocates

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Are you 50 or older, or are moderately or severely immunocompromised? Get an additional Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 booster shot at no cost to you. The CDC recommends an additional booster of Pfizer or Moderna 4 months after their last dose. https://t.co/oNA0ce7n23

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

AZ constituents shared kidney patient stories with 6 US legislators (Senators and Representatives representing the state of Arizona). Our ASKS: Living Donor Protection Act [S377/HR 1255], Access to Home Dialysis Bill [HR 5426], and CDC and NIH appropriations. #MyKidneyVoice

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

As we acknowledge National Organ Donors Day with deep gratitude, remember "we are not all in the same boat," even if we're experiencing the same storm. Whether you're in a yacht, or hanging to a life raft on the verge of drowning—share your gratitude for your gift w/the world.

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Getting Better — But Still Not Great. The good news is that we started to see a decline in cases per 100,000 after hitting all-time highs in January. The bad news is that we are still in high transmission. Please be safe. Mask-up and protect those around you

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Great fun presenting at AAKP this weekend on Practical Steps for Finding Living Kidney Donors. If you missed the conference, be sure to catch the recorded sessions on AAKP's platform. https://t.co/7UrswwM63y

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Don't miss this virtual patient meeting this week from AAKP (this Friday & Saturday 24th & 25th). This year's meeting is featuring a diverse lineup of speakers—including me! Register Now — It's Free! https://t.co/vLpznm1WTj

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

FDA APPROVES THIRD VACCINE DOSE FOR KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PATIENTS. Let's all hope this action will help move these highly vulnerable patients closer to a greater level of protection from COVID-19. https://t.co/iy9t9B2cRJ

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Indeed! Wear masks indoors in public PERIOD! Thank you Dorry Segev!

[Dorry Segev @Dorry_Segev]

Really, CDC? "Wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission" could not be more confusing or vague. Let me clarify for everyone: Wear masks indoors in public. PERIOD.

[Risa Simon, CMC @TransplantFirst]

Transplant recipients rely on good intentions from "procrastinators" & "vaccine hesitant" individuals. Until then, they can't go back to life as they knew it. https://t.co/dUpFU1lfcX