Our Story
The Western PA Kidney Support Groups was founded on May 17, 2010 by the late Jack Silverstein, the late Robb Wilson, and our dear friend the late Stephanie Page. Through our personal experiences with kidney disease and organ transplants, we found it was difficult to find information and meet others going through the same struggles we faced. Therefore we created WPKSG as a nonprofit to enable those with chronic kidney disease, transplant recipients and candidates, as well as caregivers to meet and share common experiences. On top of this, we aim to provide useful information that can explain your options, help you make informed decisions and improve everyday living.
Currently, we operate support groups locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and have over 400 participants involved with our organization. Our group is open to all those experiencing kidney disease, including transplant recipients and candidates, patients, and caregivers.
Awards
2012: Benjamin Rush Community Organization Award- honored by the Allegheny County Medical Society for addressing community health needs
2014, 2015: Community Partnership Award- honored by APPRISE for helping those with chronic illnesses and ongoing medication expenses
Your Story
Everyone has a unique story, but those who have faced the ups and downs of chronic kidney disease, dialysis and/or the miracle of transplantation have a bit more turmoil in their lives than most!
You see by our name that we are made up of "support groups." That designation may conjure up a variety of images that may make you uncomfortable. Come to one of our meetings and you will see the value of hearing the stories of others, and sharing yours. You will enter a room of strangers and leave with a genuine connection to others who truly understand how you feel because they have walked, and are walking, the same path.
While our meetings are important, they aren't the only way to connect with others facing chronic kidney disease. We hold many educational seminars and attend conventions throughout the year, so please join our email list (found on the home page) to stay updated about future events!
Our Officers & Board Members
Joe Mores
President
Leads Kittanning support group
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Joe was transplanted on August 20, 2012, receiving a kidney from his sister Irene. Joe is the current President and leader of WPKSG's Kittanning support group.
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Mike Currin
Vice President of Advertising
Leads Washington, PA & Pittsburgh West Support Groups
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Mike had PKD Disease and received a kidney transplant in June 2007.
Diana Headlee-Bell
Vice President of Education
Serves with the Pittsburgh West and Westemoreland Groups
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Diana, diagnosed in 1974, is a 3x kidney recipient and total 15 years on dialysis, experiencing home and in-center nocturnal hemo-dialysis.
Diana was diagnosed at age 11. Currently 12+ years out on her 3rd transplant.
Vickie Georges
Treasurer
Leads Westmoreland support group
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Vicki was diagnosed in January 1998 with Membranous Glomerulonephritis and was on home dialysis for four years and then in center dialysis for four more years. She received a kidney transplant in July 2012 and is doing very well and is involved with many charities.
Donna Wolfson
Secretary
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As a caregiver, Donna brings a unique perspective to WPKSG, knowing all that it takes to support those facing transplants and kidney disease.
Barb Tomko
Board Member
Leads Westmoreland
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Barb had a son who went into renal failure from a staph infection. He went on dialysis at the age of 23 and was able to get a kidney transplant within 6 months from his father, who was a living donor.
Kathie Hunt
Board Member
Leads Pittsburgh East
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Kathie has been diabetic for 60+ years. 12 years ago, she got a pancreas transplant. The president, Jack, told her about transplants. The very next day, she called the center and got an appointment- best call she ever made!
Eric Wolfe
Vice President of Technology
Leads Natrona Heights and Pittsburgh North support groups
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Eric is a double-transplant recipient, having received a liver on July 12, 2019 and a kidney on May 23, 2020. Eric has recently taken the role of technologist for the group and is excited to be involved in the education of kidney disease and treatment options for those suffering.
The logo for WPKSG is our Tree of Life. The individual leaves of a tree provide energy for the tree to continue to live and flourish. But it is not any singular leaf that makes a tree big and strong. It is the combination of every leaf, on every branch, which together gives a tree its strength. At WPKSG our leaves are made up of green ribbons- the international symbol for organ donation. These ribbons represent the lives and stories of all our members- donors, patients, and their loved ones. Because together, with our combined experiences, we can be stronger and continue to thrive. Every year, by adding more members to our support groups, our tree gets bigger and stronger. So we invite you to join us. Become a part of our network. Add your ribbon- your story- to our tree.