Wrapped in Hope: Quilts that Bring Comfort and Connection to Whidbey Island Patients

Community - dialysis, patient stories - April 23, 2026

At Puget Sound Kidney Centers, care goes far beyond treatment. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as a forgotten blanket and grows into something extraordinary.

When Lisa T, Administrative Assistant at our Whidbey Island clinic, first joined PSKC, she was tasked with cleaning out patient lockers. Inside, she found a beautiful pineapple quilt, along with several fleece blankets. She took them home, washed them, and gave most away but something told her to hold onto the quilt.

A few weeks later, a nurse asked if there was an extra blanket for a patient who had forgotten theirs. Lisa knew immediately she had saved that quilt for a reason.

The pineapple quilt became a shared comfort, washed and available for any patient who needed warmth during treatment. And stitched onto that quilt was a small tag: Quilters on the Rock Whidbey Island.

For months, Lisa thought about reaching out. One day, she mentioned the idea to Pauline, a PSKC patient, who smiled and encouraged her: “They love doing it, and need something to do.” They both laughed. Lisa sent an email. The response was immediate and enthusiastic. “This sounds like something we can make happen.”

What happened next was more than anyone expected.

After meeting with members of the quilting group, one comment changed everything: “Well, they all deserve a quilt.” With that, Quilters on the Rock committed not only to providing quilts for new patients but also for every current patient at the PSKC Whidbey Island clinic, which is about 44 patients.

Soon after, the first round of more than 20 handmade quilts arrived at the clinic.

Each one is unique, created with care, creativity, and collaboration. Some are made start to finish by one quilter, while others are assembled in group “play days,” where members come together to piece, quilt, and bind them. Every quilt represents hours of work and a deep desire to give back.

When the quilts were ready to be shared, Pauline, the patient who first encouraged the connection, was invited to choose the very first one.

As she entered the room, her face lit up. Surrounded by color, texture, and craftsmanship, she took it all in with wonder. And then, in a moment that felt meant to be, she began talking about her dear friend Leon, a quilter.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear: Leon was connected to the very same quilting community standing in the room.

A full-circle moment. One of those quiet, powerful reminders that kindness has a way of finding its way exactly where it’s needed.

“It warms my heart to see all this,” Pauline shared, holding the quilt she had chosen.

For patients receiving dialysis, often spending 3-4 hours in treatment 3 times each week, these quilts offer more than warmth. They offer dignity, comfort, and connection.

Lisa now carefully washes each quilt before it is given, just as she did with that very first one. And with every new patient who receives a quilt, the impact continues to grow.

“It’s such a great feeling,” Lisa shared. “Patients are truly humbled by the gesture.”

Because of the generosity of Quilters on the Rock and supporters like you, our patients are not only cared for, they are wrapped in compassion, community, and hope.

Sometimes, the smallest moments, like saving a quilt, turn into something much bigger than we ever imagined.

Quilters on the Rock

Mr. & Mrs. Hollywood: Finding Freedom, Faith, and Family Through Home Dialysis

Community - dialysis, patient stories - April 7, 2026

At Puget Sound Kidney Centers’ Port Townsend clinic, Jerry and CeCe are known affectionately as “Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood.” They arrive at each monthly appointment with a spread of food for the staff, warm smiles, and a deep sense of gratitude despite a journey with kidney disease that began in fear and uncertainty.

“We went in pretty scared,” Jerry recalls. “But from the very beginning, we had the absolute best care. They made me feel comfortable and treated me with such kindness all the way through.” Jerry and CeCe give high praise to all of the PSKC staff they have worked with, from Port Townsend clinic’s medical director Dr. Gill, to their “beautiful angel Joel, and the wonderful Nurse Vickie with her beautiful smile that greets us every time.”

The happily retired couple, former Seattleites who spent 30 years in Los Angeles where Jerry was chef/owner of a restaurant that CeCe calls “the best on the planet”, returned to Washington to be closer to family. Not long after, Jerry’s learned he needed to begin dialysis. What followed was a life-changing transition to peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home, with CeCe as his dedicated care partner.

“CeCe really takes care of me,” Jerry says. “She handles so much of what I need to do to be on this system.”

With her background as a nurse’s aide in the Air Force and a lifelong exposure to healthcare through her mother who was a newborn ICU nurse, CeCe embraced the complex training. “When we got the nighttime PD machine, it was God’s gift,” she says. “It gave him his strength back.”

After a difficult period on in-center hemodialysis during a surgical recovery, the difference was unmistakable. “With home PD, I really have no bad effects,” Jerry shares. “It gave me my life back.”

Their journey has not been without challenges including supply disruptions, power outages, and the long, uncertain wait for a transplant. In every moment, the PSKC team has been there. They still talk about the night a staff member, Joel, drove through a blizzard to deliver warm dialysis solution so Jerry could safely complete his treatment.

“I will never forget that,” CeCe says. “I can call anytime, and they are there for us.”

For staff, the impact is mutual. “They are supportive and so thankful for their care,” says nurse Vickie. “They both encouraged me to finish school, and it gave me the strength to finish.

Today, Jerry is active on the transplant list and looking toward the future with hope. “On a good day, I feel it’s coming my way,” he says.

To PSKC donors, CeCe offers a simple message: “Your money is well spent. This is the best organization on the planet.”

And Jerry adds, “It’s the best family you could ask for at a time like this.”

CKD Prevention & Education: Reflecting on a decade of impact

Community, Education - December 24, 2025

After ten years, PSKC has made the difficult decision to sunset the CKD Education program. Reflecting on the past decade, what an incredible journey it has been!

How It All Started

With the generous support of a three-year seed grant from the Verdant Health Commission, the program was created with the goals of raising community awareness about CKD, promoting kidney health, and empowering patients. The founding CKD Education team included Dan Blatnik (Director of Social Services), Kathy Harvey (Director of Renal Nutritional Services), and Pam Keech (Chief Medical Officer), as well as Michelle Rowlett (Social Work Supervisor) and Sara Prato (Renal Dietitian) who co-led the initiative. Recognizing that the voice of patients matters, they invited mentors like Bob Crabtree, Mary Beth Walsh, and Don Criscaden to help shape the program, fostering a community-centered, interdisciplinary approach that became a cornerstone for the program.

Growing With Our Community

With the inaugural Survive & Thrive class series launching February 11, 2015, more than 100 people benefited from CKD educational efforts that first year. As interest grew, so did our outreach throughout the region. By listening closely to community needs, we improved patient access with additional class times, offering teaching materials in multiple languages, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations including senior centers, the YMCA, faith-based groups, cultural organizations, and regional health fairs. We are deeply grateful for the meaningful partnership we share with the Tulalip Tribes and inspiration they provided in shaping the program.

The Pandemic

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the CKD team acted quickly to ensure education remained accessible by pivoting to a virtual platform to allowing people to continue learning safely from home. Recognizing that many families lacked reliable internet access, with support from partners like Union Bank, we created “Kidney Healthy Eating Packets” for distribution through regional food banks and senior meal programs. These packets—available in English, Spanish, and Russian—included kidney-healthy tips and salt-free spice blends. Between 2021 and 2023, more than 7,700 packets reached households coping with food insecurity and limited access to health education.

In 2023, we were thrilled to welcome participants back to the classroom and introducing a hybrid model for delivery of kidney health education, making it easier for everyone to participate and improving access. With our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Durvasula, being named Executive Sponsor of our CKD program in 2024, the curriculum was updated to reflect the newly released KDIGO guidelines, ensuring the program remained current and relevant. We also worked to expand our reach beyond the nephrology community, marketing to health care systems and primary care providers throughout the region.

A Decade of Impact

Through the generous support of grant partners including Verdant, the Tulalip Charitable Fund, Molina Healthcare, Union Bank, and many others who recognize the importance of early kidney health education, our efforts around CKD prevention have reached almost 21,000 people. We have heard countless personal anecdotes from patients and family members about how CKD education has helped them along their health journey and with clinical decision-making. Beyond stories of empowerment, we have seen that high-risk patients who participated in our CKD classes were better prepared for the transition to end stage kidney disease. Work of the CKD Education team has been recognized both locally and nationally with awards from the Verdant Health Commission (2016), as well as the National Kidney Foundation (2022). Additionally, members of our CKD team have presented at local, state, and national conferences, sharing insights and contributing to the broader conversation on CKD care.

The future of CKD Education

What began from humble beginnings evolved into a decade-long commitment to raise awareness about kidney disease, support early diagnosis, and empower patients. Unfortunately, in the face of mounting financial constraints, the PSKC leadership team has made the difficult decision to dissolve the CKD Education program. This was a painful choice, but ultimately necessary to ensure that PSKC continues fulfilling its essential duty to the countless patients who depend on the organization for providing life-sustaining dialysis care. While this chapter may be closing, our commitment to our mission remains strong – we will continue to find new and different ways to support kidney health and well-being in the communities we serve.

We are grateful to our community, partners, and participants for an incredible ten years and thank you for your understanding.

CKD education program adapts to reach more people with kidney disease

Community, Education - education, kidney health tips, survive and thrive - May 10, 2021

Sara Prato and Michelle Rowlett, members of our CKD team, and Bob Crabtree from The Road Back to Life hold virtual classes to educate members of the community about chronic kidney disease.

Our very popular Chronic Kidney Disease Survive and Thrive program—which reaches people at many stages of CKD as well as those at risk for it—had planned a major expansion to new communities in 2020. But as we began to roll out the program, plans were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the next few months, we transitioned Survive and Thrive to an all-virtual format, ensuring that CKD education would be available to those who need it.

Our web-based virtual program went live in June 2020 and became an immediate success. From June to December 2020, we offered 23 classes (two six-week sessions, five check-in classes and six community classes), attended by 214 people from throughout the Puget Sound region. In the classes, we provided extra learning materials—handouts, recipes and giveaways—to foster a sense of connection between instructors, the virtual classroom and participants at home. Class surveys show that attendees are increasing their knowledge of CKD, learning new lifestyle behaviors to protect their kidneys and working to stay as healthy as possible. An incredible 100% of those attending said they would recommend the program to others!

In 2020, our education team also created a series of videos to support online learning. As we move further into 2021, we plan to continue to expand our virtual program. Our hope is to provide in-person classes again when it is safe to do so but also continue with our virtual format, for those who prefer to learn in the comfort of their homes.

It’s easier than ever to learn more about kidney care through one of our online classes. Register for one of our upcoming classes at www.pskc.net/classes. Wondering which one to sign up for? Survive and Thrive is a six-week program for people with chronic kidney disease stages 2 to 4. By focusing on healthy lifestyle behaviors to protect and stabilize kidney function, the goal of this program is to help people learn lifestyle changes they can make now to help protect their kidneys. For people with chronic kidney disease stages 4 to 5, who will soon start treatment, we offer our Healthy Options classes. In this two-week program, you will learn more about treatment options and to feel better prepared when treatment starts. Family and friends are welcome to join you in either of these programs.

Our Community Classes are for anyone who wants to learn more about how kidneys work, healthy eating and other ways to protect your kidney function.

Learn more and register online at www.pskc.net/classes!

Our Lakewood center opens its doors, a beautiful new facility to serve Pierce County patients

Community - dialysis, Event, kidney care - January 21, 2020

About the state-of-the-art center

On Oct. 3, 2019, over 100 people came out to celebrate the opening of our new dialysis center in Lakewood, WA. Guests enjoyed tours and refreshments at this beautiful facility. At full capacity, this new 29-station dialysis center will accommodate up to 174 in-center dialysis patients. The center, designed by Botesch, Nash & Hall, was created to be a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and visitors.

“This new facility reflects our ongoing desire to provide a high quality and beautiful care environment for our patients, all in an effort to enhance their quality of life,” says Harold Kelly, PSKC president and CEO.

The 18,150 square foot facility includes three isolation rooms and a permanent bed for patients who need to lie down during dialysis. The facility will house a specialized training area for home dialysis patients, and the center will host free kidney health education classes for patients and the broader community.

Left: Harold Kelly, president and CEO at PSKC, addresses the crowd at the opening ceremony. Right: Our Lakewood staff are ready to serve our new patients in the area.

Introducing our Lakewood medical director

Dr. Ramon Anel has practiced for over 24 years, specializing in critical care medicine and nephrology. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine and completed his residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Anel currently practices with the Providence Medical Group in Olympia.

Medical directors are an important part of the Puget Sound Kidney Centers team as they are responsible for assuring the safety and quality of care patients receive at each unit. They are also responsible for implementing the quality advancement projects that assure PSKC continues to identify areas for improvement and innovation. In this capacity, Dr. Anel serves along with a team of professionals that include nurses, technicians, renal dietitians and social workers.

“Dr. Anel has been instrumental in introducing PSKC to the Lakewood community,” says Jenni Tyner, director of nursing at PSKC. “We are delighted to partner with him as we serve the dialysis community of Lakewood.”

Welcome, Dr. Anel, and thank you for your leadership.

Puget Sound Kidney Centers has seven dialysis centers in Washington state. See where we’re located and learn more about us. You can even follow us on social media – we’re on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

From kids to seniors, how one couple shows compassion for the community

Community, Patient stories - May 20, 2019

While working at Boeing, Tom and Christy Lee contributed to the Boeing Employee Community Fund, a fund that supports a wide variety of charitable causes in the community. Through this, the Lees saw the impact charitable giving can make in helping people in need. Thus, when they retired, they continued donating to a number of causes, including the Homage Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels program, the Marysville Community Food Bank and an international ministry — of which Tom says, “We buy goats for the ladies in Africa.”

Still, Tom and Christy felt they could do more and came up with the idea of paying off the lunch debts of students at Kellogg Marsh Elementary School, the school their son attended as a child. When they went to the district office to inquire, however, they were surprised to find that the debt for that school was only $259. They then asked how much it would cost to pay off the lunch debt for the whole Marysville School District and were told the total debt was $5,495 for 262 kids in 10 schools. Tom and Christy decided to donate that amount, and felt good knowing that the debt was gone for these kids. Thanks to the Lee’s initiative and generosity, families in the district who were struggling to pay off their children’s lunch debt would have one less worry.

A few years ago, Tom learned that his kidneys were failing and he would need to start dialysis. He fell ill just as he and Christy were getting ready to depart on a long-awaited dream trip to Hawaii. Instead of heading away, they needed to focus on getting Tom healthy enough to qualify for a transplant. Today, Tom is still dialyzing but feeling better and determined to have that great vacation. Meanwhile, he and Christy continue to make a difference in the community by helping others in need.

“I just love the way it makes me feel,” Tom says about donating. “It feels so good and we’re fortunate to be able to help.”

Thank you, Tom and Christy, for the incredible support you have shown this community!

The road to transplant: Armando’s journey

Community, Patient stories - dialysis - September 20, 2018

Armando’s early days of dialysis.

In 2007, 17-year-old Armando Gonzalez Valadez was tired, didn’t have much energy and always felt sick.

Soon after, Armando was diagnosed with kidney failure and started dialysis in the Mount Vernon area. After about six months, he moved to Lynnwood and became a Puget Sound Kidney Centers patient in Mountlake Terrace. His idol, Superman, was proudly displayed on t-shirts he wore to treatment.

Armando’s determination and strong will was evident with him working two— sometimes three—jobs to make ends meet. In 2011, Armando began doing home dialysis treatments five nights per week, which allowed him the ability to juggle work during the day. He also began helping the Mountlake Terrace social workers run a monthly support group that provides education to only Spanish-speaking patients.

Armando after his kidney transplant.

Not content at just working and living in this country, Armando was passionate about becoming a U.S. citizen. All his hard work and determination paid off in March of 2014 when he finally obtained his citizenship. Then, on December 27 of the same year, he received “the call.” It was his turn for a transplant.

The operation was successful and Armando received what he describes as “The best Christmas present, ever!”

For Armando, life after transplant has only gotten better. Recently, he was promoted to manager of Interstate Batteries, a company that celebrates his transplant anniversary every year with a cake. He has also just purchased his first home and got married.

Armando has shown that not only can Superman “jump tall buildings in a single bound,” he can beat kidney failure too. Like Armando says, “You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life.”

Interested in learning more about kidney transplant? Read more about this treatment option here.

Lance and Marni: a caregiving story

Community, Patient stories - caregiver, dialysis - February 12, 2018

Lance and Marni met 45 years ago in New Mexico, raised two daughters and have lived in Arlington for the past 20 years. About three years ago, they received some unexpected news. Marni was told that her kidneys were failing and she should prepare for dialysis. Just six months later, they found themselves checking in for dialysis treatment at PSKC Smokey Point.

Marni, on dialysis at PSKC Smokey Point, with husband Lance.

Lance, retired, studied the dialysis process. Since day one, he has documented every one of Marni’s treatments — her blood pressures, medications taken, blood sugar readings and more. Mostly, Lance looks for trends so they can catch it if something is amiss. He is happy to be Marni’s “medical advocate” and so much more by doing all the cooking, cleaning and housework as well.

Marni stays busy outside of dialysis, teaching tole painting classes out of their home every Thursday night. Supplies, including wood characters that Lance builds, are included in the cost of the class.

There are many ways to adjust to dialysis, and together Marni and Lance have figured out a way that works best for them. By writing it all down, Lance provides helpful information to get the best care for Marni and engages himself in a positive way. Marni continues to spread her passion for art even while tackling dialysis and other health challenges. A strong and solid pair, Lance and Marni are an inspiration to all.

2017 Gift of Life dinner & auction raises more than ever before!

Community, Event, Uncategorized - Event, fundraising event, gift of life - December 21, 2017

A big thank you to the 240 guests who attended our annual Gift of Life dinner and auction in September. We raised a record $237,000—the most dollars ever raised—at this year’s event!

Guests at the event take a look at the Puppy Package during the silent auction.

“It was truly a great evening. It really is special to see so many people turn out to support the work we do at Puget Sound Kidney Centers,” says Harold Kelly, president and CEO of PSKC. “Those of us at PSKC feel very fortunate to be part of such a caring community of friends and colleagues who share in our mission to enhance the lives of people with kidney disease.”

The ‘wine grab,’ always a favorite!

This year’s event also had a record number of sponsors and auction donors, and because of their support we were able to raise additional funds to support patients.

See more photos from this year’s Gift of Life dinner & auction below. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and we hope you are too!

Guests Denise and Pete Sontra.

Karen and Chris Schmitt.

Auctioneer Nelson Jay.

Guest Jenni Tyner and friends.

We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the amazing community around us. Learn more about what we do for kidney patients and those at risk for kidney disease in our community.

Happy strumming! In between dialysis treatments, Ukulele Mike shares his music around the world

Community, Patient stories - September 7, 2017

When a young Michael Lynch found a dusty ukulele that his sister brought back from Hawaii years earlier and began to teach himself, little did he know what a life-changing moment that was to become. Ukulele Mike has now taught the instrument to thousands of people around the globe.

Michael Lynch, known around the world as Ukulele Mike.

As a teacher in the Seattle school district and local private schools, Mike brought the magic of the ukulele to countless school-age children throughout his career. Thanks to his online instruction videos, Mike also has an international following. He now receives videos back from accomplished students in Korea, Japan, New Zealand and around Southeast Asia. They all respond back with different variations of his catchphrase “happy strumming,” which is how he ends each lesson.

Mike started dialysis almost two years ago, but he is still able to write, produce and share his music around the world. He admits his most productive days are his off days, but he’s never allowed his illness to stop him. He’s currently planning a second ukulele cruise, where he and his wife, Collene, teach ukulele to passengers for four or five days at sea, on their way from California to Hawaii. Mike also currently works with musical instrument builder Oscar Schmidt Co., and has developed the Mike Lynch Tenor Ukulele, complete with his signature on the headstock and available for purchase online.

Visit www.allthingsukulele.com to learn more about Ukulele Mike.

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