NKF recognizes kidney patient advocate with Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award
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Key takeaways:
- Maria Elena Grijalva receives Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award.
- Grijalva educates Native American and other high-risk populations about kidney diseases.
Maria Elena Grijalva, a kidney patient advocate, was honored with the Celeste Castillo Lee Patient Engagement Award by the National Kidney Foundation at the NKF Spring Clinical Meetings, according to a press release.
The award recognizes the efforts of someone who works on behalf of others and who most exemplifies the work of Celeste Castillo Lee.
“I first met Maria at the 2020 Congressional briefing and was impressed by her dedication to raise awareness of kidney disease in her community, particularly in individuals of Native American and Hispanic backgrounds,” Sylvia E. Rosas, MD, MSCE, president of the NKF, said in the release. “It is dedicated volunteers like Maria and their relentless work to improve the lives of people facing kidney disease that provide us the inspiration to continue to do our work.”
According to the release, Grijalva was inspired to pursue her work educating Native American and other high-risk populations about kidney health and kidney disease when her brother donated a kidney to her 36 years ago.
“It is an incredible gift to receive a transplant and it has given me the power to educate others about prevention, understanding their kidney disease, and to advocate for themselves with their health care team,” Grijalva said in the release. “The National Kidney Foundation has always supported me and encouraged me to engage in ways I’ve never dreamed. This award means that NKF has recognized my commitment in educating those high-risk populations about kidney disease. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Grijalva also acknowledged the importance of patient education and volunteer health advocacy work.
“Never assume the education is out in the public eye about any health issue,” Grijalva said. “Check out your local health fairs and see what's missing. Be an advocate by volunteering. Fill the void. We, the patients, are the people who know it best. The human touch is best from those who’ve been there.”
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