NW Kidney Kids

05/24/2026

🌟 Meet Our Board Member, Dr. Kelsey Richardson! 🌟

We are honored to welcome Dr. Kelsey Richardson to the NW Kidney Kids Board of Directors, joining in 2026!

Dr. Richardson is a Pediatric Nephrologist at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where she has been caring for children and families affected by kidney disease since 2017. She also works within the OHSU fetal program, supporting families even before birth and helping them navigate early diagnosis and care.

In addition to her clinical work, Kelsey is actively involved in educating and mentoring future pediatricians through OHSU’s medical school and residency programs. She is passionate about helping children fully participate in school, sports, and social activities, and is dedicated to expanding access to education and community support for children with kidney conditions.

Kelsey has also supported NW Kidney Kids camps, including teaching cooking classes at youth camp, helping create fun and empowering experiences for campers.

Originally from Washington State, she loves the Pacific Northwest. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband, two children, and their Bernedoodle, Drake.

We are so grateful for Dr. Richardson’s expertise, compassion, and commitment to Kidney Kids and their families. Please join us in welcoming her to the NWKK Board! 💙

05/23/2026

🌟 Meet Our Board Member, Matthew Ellertson! 🌟

We are excited to introduce Matthew Ellertson as a valued member of the Northwest Kidney Kids Board of Directors!

Matthew has been part of the nephrology world for more than 10 years and has seen firsthand the many ways chronic kidney disease impacts individuals and families across all ages and backgrounds. His experience has given him a deep appreciation for the strength, resilience, and community within the kidney world.

Matthew is grateful for the opportunity to support the kidney community both professionally and personally, and he is proud to serve on the NW Kidney Kids Board, helping further our mission and support Kidney Kids and their families.

We are so thankful for Matthew’s perspective, dedication, and commitment to our community. Please join us in welcoming him to the NWKK Board! 💙

05/22/2026

🌟 Meet Our Board Member, Maria Fernanda Filizola! 🌟

We are proud to recognize Maria Fernanda Filizola as a member of the NW Kidney Kids Board of Directors!

As the parent of a child living with chronic kidney disease, Maria brings both lived experience and a deep passion for supporting Kidney Kids and their families. Over the years, she has been actively involved with NWKK through camps, fundraising events, community outreach, and bilingual engagement efforts.

With a background in nonprofit leadership, community partnerships, and volunteer coordination, Maria is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where every family feels seen, heard, and empowered. She is especially passionate about equity, education, and expanding access for underrepresented families in our community.

We are so grateful for Maria’s compassion, leadership, and commitment to helping Kidney Kids and their families thrive. Please join us in celebrating her and the incredible impact she brings to NWKK! 💙

05/21/2026

🌟 Meet Our Board Secretary, David Crandall! 🌟

We are excited to introduce David Crandall as our Board Secretary and HR support for NW Kidney Kids!

David is a proud kidney parent whose eldest son was born with chronic kidney disease. Through this journey, his family found connection, strength, and support within the NW Kidney Kids community—an organization that has become an invaluable part of their lives.

David joined the NWKK Board of Directors in 2024, bringing with him a strong background in Human Resources. Based in the Portland area, he works in HR for a major corporation, where he focuses on people management and organizational development.

Outside of work and board service, David enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, along with their two dogs. He also enjoys woodworking, fishing, and cooking meals to share with family and friends.

We are so grateful for David’s experience, leadership, and dedication to our community. Please join us in welcoming him as our Board Secretary! 💙

05/20/2026

🌟 Meet Our New Board Treasurer, Dornald Myles! 🌟

We are proud to introduce Dornald Myles, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, as the new Board Treasurer of NW Kidney Kids!

Dornald brings a deeply personal connection to the kidney community as a double kidney transplant recipient, having received his first transplant in 1999 and his second in 2015. These life-changing experiences have shaped his passion for supporting others on their own kidney journeys.

With an impressive 34-year career at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Dornald worked as a histotechnologist in Anatomical Pathology and Immunohistochemistry, collaborating closely with pediatric nephrologists and contributing to renal biopsy work for young patients—including some of our very own Kidney Kids.

Through both his professional expertise and lived experience, Dornald is passionate about empowering families, children, and youth impacted by kidney disease.

Outside of work and service, you might find him enjoying a good book, baking, playing piano, re-learning conversational French, or spending time in his garden.

We are so grateful for Dornald’s knowledge, perspective, and heart. Please join us in welcoming him as our Board Treasurer! 💙

05/19/2026

🌟 Meet Our New Vice President, Alex! 🌟

We are excited to welcome Alex Baker, DNP, FNP-C as the new Vice President of NW Kidney Kids!

Alex joined the kidney community at age 14 after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Though she didn’t attend kidney camp as a teen, she later experienced its powerful impact firsthand as a camp counselor and assistant camp director—an experience that deepened her connection to NWKK’s mission.

Inspired by her own journey, Alex went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of Portland School of Nursing in 2017 and has since built an impressive career in acute care, trauma surgery, and critical care. She completed her nurse practitioner training in 2022 and continues to serve patients with compassion and expertise.

Alex now lives in Walla Walla, Washington with her husband, young daughter, and their border collie mix. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, and spending time with her family.

We are so grateful for Alex’s experience, heart, and dedication to the kidney community. Please join us in congratulating her on her new role as Vice President! 💙

05/18/2026

🌟 Meet Our New Board President, Lauren! 🌟

We are excited to share that Lauren has stepped into the role of Board President for NW Kidney Kids!

Lauren is a dedicated kidney kid parent who first connected with NWKK during a very challenging time when her eldest was diagnosed with E. coli/HUS at just two years old. Since then, NWKK has been a meaningful part of her family’s journey—from their first camp experience in 2014 to Lauren helping launch the beloved Strut Your Kidney Race in 2017.

After serving as Community Engagement Manager and joining the Board in 2023, Lauren continues to give back to the community that supported her family when they needed it most.

We’re so grateful for her leadership, heart, and dedication to NW Kidney Kids. Please join us in congratulating Lauren on her new role! 💙

05/16/2026

Volunteers Needed for Strut Your Kidney 2026!

It takes an incredible community to make Strut Your Kidney possible, and we would love to have YOU join us!

From race-day setup and cheering on participants to helping guide runners along the course, our volunteers play a huge role in creating a fun, safe, and inspiring event for children living with chronic kidney disease and their families.

📍 Sellwood Riverfront Park – Portland, OR
📅 Sunday, September 20, 2026

Volunteer opportunities include:
✨ Race Day Set-Up Crew
✨ Course Marshals
✨ Tear Down Crew
…and more!

Whether you can help for a few hours or the whole morning, your time makes a meaningful difference for NW Kidney Kids families. 💚

Sign up to volunteer here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/OR/Portland/StrutYourKidney

Please share with friends, family, coworkers, and anyone looking to give back to the community!

05/15/2026

We’re excited to share a special glimpse into the impact of NW Kidney Kids and the incredible community that makes our programs possible. From camp memories to life-changing connections, this video highlights why our mission means so much to so many families.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fz_q9CH6Ns

Be sure to like, comment, and share to help us spread awareness and support for children living with kidney disease! 💚

Family Camp is a nurturing space where children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their families come together to participate in educational activities...

05/15/2026

Looking for a way to make a real impact and have fun doing it?

Join the Strut Your Kidney Committee and help bring this inspiring community event to life! This is your chance to get involved behind the scenes, share your ideas, and help shape everything from event energy to participant experience.

Whether you’re passionate about community, event planning, or simply want to support Northwest Kidney Kids in a meaningful way, there’s a place for you on the team. Together, we’ll create a powerful day full of connection, awareness, and celebration—one step at a time.

Ready to jump in?
Email Maggie at [email protected] to get more information and join the committee!

05/14/2026

🌟 Meet Our New Camp Director, Finn! 🌟

We are thrilled to officially introduce Finn as the new Camp Director for NW Kidney Kids Camps!

Finn originally hails from Santa Cruz, California, and now calls Portland, Oregon home. They graduated from Washington State University in 2023 (Go Cougs! 🐾) with a major in Human Development, a minor in At-Risk Youth, and a certificate in Child and Youth Development. Finn is currently continuing their education by working toward a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation at SUNY Cortland.

With over nine years of experience working with children, Finn brings a deep passion for youth development and inclusion. Their background spans a wide range of settings—from summer camps to outdoor schools in California and Minnesota—giving them a strong foundation in creating meaningful, supportive, and fun experiences for kids of all ages.

We are so excited for the energy, care, and leadership Finn brings to our camp community and can’t wait for you all to meet them this summer! 💙

Please join us in giving Finn a warm welcome!