Madison -- Edith Toole Oberley, Kidney Patient Advocate, dies at 62. Edith began her career dedicated to advocacy for kidney patients in 1973. She wrote books to educate patients on kidney dialysis treatment and kidney transplantation. She was a long-time and award-winning Kidney Foundation volunteer, working at local, state, and national levels.
In 1983 she founded Medical Media Associates, a business that focused on patient education and the quality of patient care. Edith later conceived of, obtained support, and helped create a national project that established practice guidelines for clinical care of dialysis patients. Data from an article in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases determined that this major quality of care project conducted by Edith and her team resulted in a reduction in patient morbidity and mortality. Her work dramatically improved the quality of life of persons with kidney disease.
At the same time, she was a wife and a long-time dialysis partner to her husband, Dr. Terry Oberley, and the mother of sons Matthew Oberley (37) and Alex Oberley (30).
Edith was born on October 20, 1946, in Missoula, Montana, to a family with deep Montana roots. She entered Northwestern University in 1964 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1968. She received her Masters Degree in English from Northwestern in 1972.
Edith and Terry Oberley were married on June 19, 1968 in Missoula, Montana. For the next several years, she taught English at high schools in the Chicago area, until her career as a kidney patient advocate began in 1973. In 1974, the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin.
Edith's advocacy for kidney patients started when she and her husband visited dialysis units throughout the country and gave lectures on how to succeed in dialysis and how to incorporate dialysis into family life. She wrote patient education books on artificial kidney treatment and kidney transplantation. Her books were translated into several languages and she received many letters from patients around the world.
A long time National Kidney Foundation volunteer, she volunteered at the local, state, and national levels. She was Chairperson of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin and received the Volunteer of the Year award at both state and national levels.
Edith and her business partner, Paulette Sacksteder, established Medical Media Associates, a business that focused on quality of patient care, in 1983. Simultaneously with her volunteer roles with the Kidney Foundation, they worked with clinics and hospitals in Wisconsin "teaching people about health" before turning to the national kidney patient scene. In 1993, they created Medical Education Institute and applied for a federal not-for-profit 501-c-3 status, and it was awarded that same year. Edith and Paulette in 2000 provided assets and equipment for MEI, which continues today to help kidney patients.
Edith retired from her patient care advocacy work in 2006. She began a new avocation of photography, which became a second career. She established "Bitterroot and Bergamot," a photography website where she posted photographs taken primarily in Montana and in Wisconsin. She sang in the Unitarian Society Choir and volunteered with friends to sing at Oakwood Village, an assisted living facility. Edith Toole Oberley is survived by her husband Terry Oberley, sons Alex and Matthew, as well as Edith's daughter-in-law Khanh (Matthew), and granddaughters Sophie and Juliette.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF MADISON, 900 University Bay Drive.
Memorials in Edith's name may be made to the Nature Conservancy, http://www.nature.org/.
TV’s 30 Rock Urges Kidney Donation in Musical Season Finale
The season’s final episode of the Emmy-award winning comedy 30 Rock not only featured lots of laughs, but also an opportunity to promote organ donation and support the National Kidney Foundation. The show featured special guest star Alan Alda, whose character needs a kidney transplant. The specially written song – “He Needs A Kidney” – brought out top musical talent Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper and the Beastie Boys, among other major stars.
To generate additional awareness for the cause, NBC producers have partnered with iTunes to distribute a video of the song online for six months after the show airs. All proceeds will benefit NKF. Visit the 30 Rock page on iTumes.com!
Rusty Wallace: Driven to Fight Kidney Disease
Many believe Rusty Wallace is the best short-track driver in NASCAR history. A former NASCAR champion, a NASCAR Nationwide Series car owner, ESPN broadcaster and co-host of the TV series “NASCAR Angels”, he has added NKF’s Kidney Cars spokesman to his lest of endeavors! Rusty is now featured in new TV and radio commercials and print ads for NKF’s Kidney Cars donation program.
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Rusty offered to help NKF after learning a business partner of his had kidney disease. You can see the entire Rusty Wallace Kidney Cars campaign at www.kidneycars.org.
A recent award from Charity Navigator demonstrates our commitment to serve the needs of kidney patients in an efficient manner.
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I am very pleased to report that the National Kidney Foundation has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator wrote to NKF:
"Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of your organization in an efficient and effective manner. This rise in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year. A 4-star rating from Charity Navigator gives your supporters confidence in the National Kidney Foundation's ability to maximize the charitable return on their contribution. Once again, congratulations on your 4-star rating from Charity Navigator". And just as a reminder of additional demonstrations of the Foundation's strength in the charity marketplace, don't forget to let your constituents and donors know that:
** NKF is a member agency and in full compliance with the National Health Council's "Standards of Excellence"
** NKF has received the BBB Wise Giving Alliance's Charity Seal.
Suzanne
SUZANNE J. WYCKOFF Executive Vice President National Kidney Foundation, Inc. 30 E.33rd Street, Suite 800 New York, NY 10016 800/622-9010 x234 suzannew@kidney.org
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Testimonials
A few words of thanks we have received at the NKFW.
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"Thank you for sending me the "Living Well on Dialysis" Cookbook. I think it will be very helpful for meal preparation for my Dad.
- Martha K.
"I am the treasurer of the Western Wisconsin Agricultural Museum. Our organization hosts an annual antique tractor ride, and the monies raised are put into a charity fund, which are then distributed to an individual, or organization such as yours to help benefit others.
“This year we have decided to send $500 to your organization. We are sending it in memory of one of our members, Sylvester H., who several years back received a kidney through a transplant donor.
“His wife Dorothy needs a kidney transplant, also. We hope that this can help in making more miracles happen!”
- Arnold K.
“There is no question about it - with your help Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church 1st Community Health & Wellness Fair was a success.
To us a successful event meant being able to help others. Our world has so many people in need of acts of kindness. Thanks to your generous contributions & dedication to share with us, the people in the neighborhood and community have benefited from the Free Health Information.
May God richly bless you,
Sis. Angela Wright – Event Chairperson
Sis. Mary Floyd, Sis. Jewel Jiles, Sis. Dinah Sims – Co Chairpersons”
