baliker

Mary Baliker is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, in Public Health and Psychology. Mary has been a healthcare advocate most of her life. Having been diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of nine, living with chronic disease, having been on in-center hemodialysis and four kidney transplants has given her an opportunity to cherish life and given her a strong interest to help improve healthcare.

Mary has also written a short part of her story “Maria Never Gives Up” “Are You Like Me?” to help children and their families in their personal struggle with the emotional and physical rollercoaster that is brought on by a chronic illness. The books are in many transplant and dialysis centers across the country and available on Amazon.

Mary is a member of American Association of Nephrology: Kidney Health Initiative's (KHI) Patient and Family Partnership Council, member of NephCure Kidney International, Co-Leader of Midwest Region, the National Kidney Foundation’s, Co-Leader Kidney Advocacy Committee, Public Policy Committee, Peer Mentoring Program and various workgroups. The National Forum of ESRD Networks; Kidney Patient Advisory Council, American Association of Kidney Patients Field Ambassador, Chronic Disease Coalition Ambassador, Midwest Kidney Network (ESRD Network #11)  Board of Directors, and Consumer Committee, the National Patient/Family Engagement Learning & Action Network Health Services, Legacy Advisory Group,  American Kidney Fund Ambassador, UW (University of Wisconsin-Madison) Health Transplant Patient and Family Advisory Committee, and Friends of UW Health, Board of Directors.

Mary's professional work experience over the past 30 years includes the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, and Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Positions that she has held include Organ Procurement Coordinator, Clinical Research Transplant Manager, Outreach Transplant Education Coordinator, and Healthcare Administration in Asthma, Pulmonary Disease, and Carbone Cancer.