Running a program that helps disadvantaged people recognize the symptoms of kidney disease is one of the highlights of Dr. Mary “Tessie” Behrens career.
“When the patients call back, they are so appreciative. It’s very rewarding when you know someone is getting the care they need instead of ending up in the emergency room,” she said.
In private practice as a nephrologist with Mid-Atlantic Nephrology Associates since 1999, Behrens is receiving the “Champion of Hope” award for her contributions to the www.kidneymd.org National Kidney Foundation of Maryland (NFK-MD). She will be honored at the NKF-MD’s 23rd annual Gift of Life Gala on Saturday, along with Neil R. Powe, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., for his accomplishments in the field of renal disease.
The NKF-MD is the area’s only voluntary health agency dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health of individuals and families affected by the diseases and increasing the availability of organs for transplantation.
The Gift of Life Gala is one of NKF-MD’s major annual fundraisers. “It’s going to be a terrific night. A good time can be had by everyone, and we can raise a lot of money for a very good cause,” said co-chairwoman Christine Snyder.
Behrens has been a member of NKF’s medical advisory board since 2000. She now runs a program called KEY, or Kidneys: Evaluate Yours.
“It’s been my pet project. We go into areas where there is a high risk of kidney disease, and screen people for high blood pressure, check their glucoses and kidney numbers,” Behrens said. “Then I go over all the labs and send letters if we find anything, to make sure they get follow-up from their doctors.”
As with many diseases, early detection is the key, Snyder said. “When you finally do become symptomatic, the disease is usually advanced. The key to kidney disease is making sure you catch it early, that people are aware of the symptoms.”
All proceeds from the gala go to NKF-MD. “Last year, we gave $300,000 in grants to the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins for research into kidney disease and we made a contribution to Camp All-Stars, a summer camp for children with kidney disease,” Snyder said.
If you go: National Kidney Foundation of Maryland’s 23rd Annual Gift of Life Gala
» Where: The Hyatt Regency Baltimore, 300 Light St., Baltimore
» When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $275/person
» Info: 410-494-8545; www.kidneymd.org
