Kidney Disease and Mental Health Awareness
A legacy of
The Catherine Elizabeth Scott Foundation
It started with a little sister
and a community that cares.
Our Board of Directors
Every member of our Board of Directors has a reason for being here. While each of us comes from a different background, we share a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we bring different strengths, perspectives, and passions that help shape the direction of Cathys Story. We are committed to working together, listening to the voices of our community, and building an organization grounded in compassion, respect, and purpose. As we continue to move forward, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for connection.
President & Founder, Julie S. Christian
In addition to serving as President and Founder, Julie also oversees education and community outreach for Cathy's Story. Julie is a Certified Peer Support Specialist with lived experience as someone with a mental health challenge. She is the younger sister of Catherine Elizabeth Scott. As both a member of the mental health community, and a loved one whose mental health condition contributed to mental health- related kidney disease, Julie founded Cathy's Story to honor her sister and inspire others.
Vice President, Lisa D. DeGagne
In addition to serving as Vice President, Lisa also serves as Director of Operations and Administration. Lisa has dedicated many years to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Julie Christian and Lisa first met while working together, where Lisa served as Julie's direct supervisor. Lisa's compassion, leadership, and commitment to serving vulnerable populations bring valuable experience and perspective to Cathy's Story.
Board Member, Carole E. Kahn
Carole serves as Director of Fundraising and Community Events. Carole brings hope to our foundation through her lived experience with both a mental health challenges and kidney disease. Her firsthand understanding of the physical, emotional, and practical challenges faced by individuals navigating these conditions provides an invaluable voice in shaping the foundation's mission.
Our vision for the future
Cathy's Story was created to fill a space that has too often been overlooked. By focusing on the impact of mental health and kidney disease we hope to provide something that rarely is available in one place-a community where individuals and families can find understanding, practical guidance, and encouragement from people who truly recognize these unique challenges. As Cathy's Story takes shape we envision expanding opportunity for self-advocacy, peer support, and educational resources that help people feel more confident, connected, and supported.
Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy begins with understanding your voice and recognizing your role in your healthcare. As Cathy's Story grows, we hope to provide practical tools and guidance that help individuals and families ask informed questions, understand treatment options, and make confident decisions. Our goal is to inspire people to be active participants in their care and informed partners in their healthcare journey.
Peer Support
We believe that no one should face the challenges of mental health or kidney disease alone. Through the power of lived experience, Cathy's Story hopes to foster meaningful connections, encouragement, and understanding for individuals and families effected my mental health-related kidney disease. Looking ahead, we aspire to offer peer led support groups as well as additional services for those on dialysis.
Educational Resources for Patients & Families
Our goal is to share educational resources that make complex topics easier to understand from a practical, everyday perspective. We recognize that every persons experience is unique, and we do not have all the answers . Kidney disease in people with mental health challenges may result from a combination of medical conditions, barriers to healthcare, and medication-related factors. (Important to note, never discontinue lithium or any other psychiatric medication without the medical supervision of your psychiatrist.) By gathering reliable information and sharing helpful resources, we hope to encourage meaningful conversations and help individuals and family members understand mental health, kidney disease, medication management, and available community services.