A Personal Journey Inspires a Mission of Hope: My Role at the National Kidney Foundation — Julie Roehm
As I embark on a new chapter of my professional life as a member of the Board of Advisors at the National Kidney Foundation serving Greater New York and Connecticut, I find myself reflecting on a deeply personal journey that has brought me to this point. My connection to kidney health goes beyond my expertise in marketing and digital transformation — it is a journey rooted in love, compassion, and the profound impact that organ donation can have on the lives of those we hold dear.
A couple years ago, my father, a resilient man who has faced a series of health challenges, found himself in the grip of kidney disease. Witnessing his struggles firsthand, I became acutely aware of the critical need for awareness, support, and resources for individuals facing this silent but devastating illness. It was during this tumultuous period that I made the life-altering decision to donate one of my kidneys to my father.
The decision to become a living kidney donor was not made lightly. It was a deeply personal choice, driven by a desire to alleviate my father’s suffering and offer him a chance at a healthier, more fulfilling life. Little did I know that this selfless act of love would become a catalyst for a broader mission — one that aligns perfectly with the values and goals of the National Kidney Foundation.
My personal journey as a kidney donor has provided me with a unique perspective, one that fuels my commitment to advancing the NKF’s work. I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges faced by those living with kidney disease and the transformative power of organ donation. It’s a journey that has deepened my understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial toll kidney disease can take on individuals and their families.
Now, as a member of the National Kidney Foundation’s Board of Advisors, I am dedicated to leveraging my professional expertise and personal experience to drive the foundation’s mission forward. The NKF is not just an organization; it’s a beacon of hope for the millions of people across Connecticut and Greater New York who grapple with kidney disease.
Our collective efforts aim to revolutionize the fight against kidney disease by eliminating preventable cases, accelerating innovation to enhance the patient experience, and addressing structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. It is a mission that resonates deeply with me, inspired by the lessons learned from my father’s health journey and the life-changing impact of organ donation.
In my role on the Board of Advisors, I am eager to contribute to the NKF’s initiatives, drawing on my professional background in marketing and digital transformation to raise awareness and garner support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by kidney disease, offering them the hope, education, and resources they need to thrive.
As I embark on this new endeavor, I carry with me the lessons of love, resilience, and the profound impact of organ donation. My journey as a kidney donor has become a driving force behind my commitment to the National Kidney Foundation’s noble cause — a cause that transcends professional obligations and embodies the essence of humanity’s capacity for compassion and positive change.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Julie Roehm is an innovative customer-centric marketer known for strategizing profitable corporate turnarounds with fast revenue growth via capturing stories that resonate with clients. She was named “Marketer of Year” by BrandWeek, Brand Innovators ‘Top 50 Women in Brand Marketing’, the Tri-State Diversity Council’s “Most Powerful and Influential Woman”, an Automotive News “Marketing All-Star” and one of Working Mother’s “Top 25 Women”. She’s on the forefront of new marketing ideas, and being result-oriented, she uses her vast marketing experience in all facets of business strategy and marketing execution to help deliver the message of the brand.
