Clyde Shields Distinguished Service Award
Northwest Kidney Centers gives the Clyde Shields Distinguished Service Award to people who make significant contributions to the welfare of kidney patients through advocacy, clinical care or research.
2021
For nearly 15 years, Rich Bloch championed home dialysis, advocated for legislation and generously supported Northwest Kidney Centers. Among his accomplishments were serving as past Foundation Board Chair and Board of Trustees Chair. He volunteered to co-chair the Elevating Eastside Kidney Care capital campaign, which raised $3.71 million for a significant remodel of the Bellevue clinic. Rich was also a dialysis patient. Initially dialyzing at our Bellevue clinic, Rich quickly decided home was the place to be. After training to dialyze at home, he and his wife visited each Northwest Kidney Centers dialysis clinic and demonstrated to patients how to give themselves dialysis at home. Rich and his wife also visited Washington, D.C., and Olympia to advocate for legislation that benefits kidney patients, transplant recipients and donors. He served on multiple board committees and led Northwest Kidney Centers through the search for a new president and CEO, its first since 1998.
*Due to the pandemic, the award ceremony was held in 2024 at the grand opening of Northwest Kidney Centers’ Dialysis Museum in its new Burien location.
2020
During her 21 years as president and CEO of Northwest Kidney Centers, Joyce Jackson put patient needs at the top. She led Northwest Kidney Centers to earn stellar quality scores for its life-sustaining dialysis treatments, initiated a community education program for people with chronic kidney disease and spurred efforts to establish the Kidney Research Institute, a collaboration between UW Medicine and Northwest Kidney Centers, and the Center for Dialysis Innovation at the University of Washington, bringing hope for the future. Joyce spearheaded collaboration and policy advocacy across the country, fostering the formation of the Nonprofit Kidney Care Alliance and serving on national boards to represent the interests of people with kidney disease. Her leadership brought patients, staff, volunteers and donors together to form a dedicated community driven to help people with kidney disease—in the Pacific Northwest and beyond—lead their very best lives.
Past recipients
2019
Steve Huebner
An influential volunteer leader at Northwest Kidney Centers for more than three decades, Steve served as board of trustees chair and led the update of strategic plans several times, helped recruit key talent to the board and advised on executive team recruitments. He co-chaired Northwest Kidney Centers’ first capital campaign, raising funds to renovate its flagship building at 700 Broadway in Seattle. His dedication and leadership has helped shape Northwest Kidney Centers and truly made a significant difference in advancing the organization’s mission of patient care, education and research.
2018
Mary Lewis
For three decades, Mary Lewis has led clinical education services at Northwest Kidney Centers. She directs the in-house Dialysis Academy, which trains nurses and technicians in the principles of kidney care, and she set up collaborations with nine regional schools of nursing and Medic One so that community health care providers understand the needs of people on dialysis. The State of Washington adopted the training program she created at Northwest Kidney Centers, making it standard practice for all dialysis technicians.
2017
David Junker
David Junker has made significant contributions in patient care, advocacy and research. After 37 years on dialysis, he continues to set an example for other patients. He is a model of consistency, having never missed a scheduled treatment, and inspires hope in other dialysis patients. He has traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for legislation that benefits kidney patients and has used his health condition to advance awareness and knowledge about kidney disease, enrolling in multiple studies at the Kidney Research Institute.
2016
PACCAR
PACCAR, a global leader in the production of high-quality premium trucks, made its first donation to Northwest Kidney Centers more than 50 years ago. The company’s gifts have provided an emergency power generator, equipped a home dialysis training hub, renovated several buildings, installed an elevator, and purchased dialysis chairs, special care beds and home hemodialysis machines for Northwest Kidney Centers. PACCAR’s support has significantly improved the lives of thousands of people with kidney disease.
2015
U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott
U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott is a national leader in shaping kidney policy, a champion of home dialysis and an advocate for kidney patients. In 2002, he co-founded the bipartisan Congressional Kidney Caucus, and he continues to co-chair it. Elected to Congress in 1989, by 2015 he had become senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Budget Committee. His seniority enables him to play an influential role in a wide range of issues, including Medicare, which pays for 70 percent of dialysis treatments in the United States.
2014
Lori Hartwell
Renal Support Network founder Lori Hartwell was recognized for her advocacy work and leadership within the kidney patient community. Living with kidney disease since age 2, Lori has made a significant impact on Northwest Kidney Centers patients and others across the country.
Lori’s organization, the Renal Support Network, helps patients develop their coping skills, special talents and employability by educating and empowering them and their family members. It provides public policy makers with the patient’s perspective.
2013
Clint Randolph
Clint Randolph, a longstanding Northwest Kidney Centers volunteer, helped found Northwest Kidney Centers’ formal regulatory compliance program in 2000; served as Foundation Board chair while Northwest Kidney Centers Foundation was legally integrated into the dialysis-providing organization; and co-chaired the 2012 campaign that raised $1.7 million to create a comprehensive kidney resource center at 700 Broadway in Seattle.
2012
All Northwest Kidney Centers’ dialysis patients
In Northwest Kidney Centers’ 50th anniversary year, we honored all patients, past and present — more than 10,000 in the region. “Dialysis demands an enormous price of kidney patients, one which can be paid only with patience, courage, tolerance and grace. From this challenge, the rest of us learn the meaning of fortitude,” said the nephrologist who inspired the nomination.
2011
Gladys Rubinstein
Gladys Rubinstein, a longtime Seattle philanthropist, received Northwest Kidney Centers’ highest honor for helping thousands of needy individuals with kidney disease. Through her generous donations, she launched initiatives in patient education, transplantation and kidney research, and supported advancement of the home dialysis program.
2010
Dr. Robin Eady
In 1963, Dr. Robin Eady became one of the world’s first dialysis patients. Today, the London resident is testament that it is possible to thrive despite serious kidney disease. When he was 22 years old, Eady’s parents sought out Dr. Belding Scribner in Seattle to treat their critically ill son; in 1963, Eady became one of Scribner’s first dialysis patients. Eady got well, went back to England, completed medical school and became a dermatologist. He continues to advocate for kidney patients and serve as a role model.
2008
Bertil Lundh
Bert demonstrates exceptional, caring and enthusiastic volunteer service with a commitment to fundraising. As an ambassador and advocate, he communicates about Northwest Kidney Centers and chronic kidney disease to everyone, including government officials and business leaders. He has served on key committees, he sees and creates opportunities for Northwest Kidney Centers and patients’ welfare, and he provides caring, persistent pushes that make the organization and its services better.
2007
Katy Wilkens
Katy was honored for 30 years of committed and passionate service to people with kidney failure and to the community that cares for them. A dedicated and creative teacher, Katy nurtures the 13-member nutrition and fitness staff she manages; educates patients, peers and health professionals; writes accessible patient education materials; speaks regionally and internationally; advocates for those who need special services. She is a Northwest Kidney Centers “media star” with many radio and TV segments to her credit.
2006
Bill Bowden
In more than two decades as manager of Northwest Kidney Centers social services, Bill has been an excellent model of patient-centered services and advocacy. Bill is strongly committed to improving experiences for everyone touched by kidney disease – and he demonstrates this with humility and devotion to doing the right thing. In addition to his excellent clinical skills, he dedicates many extra hours to his work, administers several patient programs, teaches, and creates ways of improving some difficult ongoing problems for patients and staff.
2005
Bill Peckham
An exemplary leader, patient, advocate and volunteer, Bill demonstrates commitment to the renal community and provides a model to others that one can live a full life with chronic kidney disease. He is a research participant, a leader on Northwest Kidney Centers boards of trustees, foundation board and the Regional Council – Southwest, and an avid traveler — dialysis machine at his side. He led projects to provide patient laptops in dialysis units and many governmental advocacy efforts.
2004
Connie Anderson
This award recognized Connie for 30 years of exemplary leadership in nursing, management and administration at Northwest Kidney Centers. Known as one of the most knowledgeable and experienced dialysis professionals in this country, she enjoys special recognition in the field of home hemodialysis. Connie supervises all clinical, quality of care, research, and educational services at Northwest Kidney Centers. In addition, she is on the affiliate faculty at the University of Washington School of Nursing.
2003
Nancy Spaeth
Nancy is a “living history” of dialysis and transplantation. She received this award for her 37 years of diverse experience with, and service to, the renal community and her fellow patients. Her many accomplishments include working closely with Dr. Belding Scribner to raise essential funds in the early years of dialysis, taking part in a number of research studies, and helping to inform patients and doctors about chronic kidney failure and the history of its treatment.
2002
Susan Vukich
Susan has devoted 35 years to renal community services. She pioneered as the first home hemodialysis helper for her daughter Caroline, and went on to serve as a local and national support person for home dialysis patients. With 20 years on Puget Sound Kidney Centers’ board of trustees, and six years on the Northwest Kidney Centers board from 1985 to 1991, she still found time to work over 20 years as a director of volunteers in a health care organization and play leadership roles in a number of charitable health, youth services, and alumni organizations.
2001
Pat Johnson
Pat has been an activist and patient advocate for 30 years. She established K-PASA, the Tacoma patients’ association, has served on national renal care committees, Northwest Kidney Centers’ rehabilitation scholarship committee and patient conference committees. She is also active in her community and serves as a model for living successfully and fully with chronic illness.
1998
Patty Wood
Patty was a nationally acclaimed patient advocate for organ donation and the humane treatment of research animals. She had a long relationship with Northwest Kidney Centers Foundation’s community education program, serving as a spokesperson for the organization for years.
1997
Doug Struthers
Doug was a tireless advocate for home dialysis and dialysis patients. His efforts led to reduced water and garbage rates for home dialysis patients as well as reimbursement to home helpers who are also spouses.
1996
Susan Daly Freeman
As a nurse for the Seattle Artificial Kidney Center, Susan played an essential role in the establishment of home dialysis.
1995
Jo Ann Albers
Jo Ann was the Seattle Artificial Kidney Center’s first head nurse. At a time when nursing practice was very limited, Jo Ann was given enormous responsibilities and helped establish the foundation of hemodialysis practice.
1994
Jack Cole
Jack did research and engineering that led to the first durable dialysis access devices. His research and innovation were crucial in development of the Hickman and Tenckhoff catheters, and the first pediatric catheter that allowed simultaneous administration of different fluids
1993
Elmer Nordstrom
Elmer opened many doors for the establishment of the Seattle Artificial Kidney Center and made Swedish Hospital’s administrative capability available to the kidney center. Elmer was a founding member of both Northwest Kidney Centers and Northwest Kidney Centers Foundation boards, and he served on these boards until his death.
1992
Dr. Les Babb
Enlisted by Dr. Belding Scribner, Les designed and built the first dialysis machines within months of Scribner’s requests, a towering engineering achievement.
1991
Jim Albers
One of Dr. Belding Scribner’s first patients, Jim was a physicist who did some of the initial calculations concerning dialysis clearances. A model of perseverance in the face of physical challenges, Jim built a successful academic career and was a leader in the renal community in its earliest days.