Home hemodialysis advocate Kathe LeBeau dies

Kathe LeBeau, 55, a home hemodialysis patient from Latham, N.Y. who has campaigned on Capitol Hill and among patient and professional organizations to push for more home dialysis, died Monday night from complications due to a pulmonary embolism.

She was a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Kidney Patients and Home Dialyzors United, and was the Director of Patient Services and Public Policy for the Northeast Kidney Foundation, a patient advocacy group based in Albany, N.Y. She was to lead kidney month events at the N.Y. State House in Albany and in Washington next week. LeBeau was also a reviewer for Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) projects and served on the anemia Technical Expert Panel, the National Quality Forum, several UNOS committees, and the Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of Kathe," AAKP President Sam Pederson said in a news release. "Kathe was a valued member of our board of directors and trusted counselor. Her wit, wisdom and contributions to the success of our organization will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to her family."

Per her request, there will not be a wake or service. Her organs and tissues were donated. She will be cremated and her ashes spread on the coast of Maine. She is survived buy her husband, Loren, of 18 years and extended family.