About Us
Who we are?
Fueled by passion and devotion, Awambeng Renal Care Foundation (ARCF) was launched on 22nd December 2021 and is a beacon of hope for patients fighting kidney disease. Mr. Rene Awambeng, the founder of Awambeng Renal Care Foundation (ARCF) and survivor of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is an inspiration for those suffering from CKD. His passion for the prevention of renal disease and making renal treatment accessible to everyone in need is what drove the foundation for ARC in Cameroon.
ARCF is a voluntary non-profit organization dedicated to quality kidney care. Its mission includes preventing kidney diseases, providing a world-class medical center, refining access to healthcare, and improving kidney disease treatments for individuals and families. We aim to work in partnership with international medical institutions to improve treatments for all individuals affected by kidney disease. ARCF envisions a reduction in the prevalence of kidney disease and strives for easy and affordable access to preventative care, treatment, management and supportive services. With several initiatives and programs, strategies for prevention, education on early detection of disease, and disease management will be routinely offered to the community.
In Africa, inadequate medical facilities, a declining health care system, and widespread poverty contribute to the neglect of kidney care. Acknowledging these issues, we provide lifesaving treatments and care for our patients.
We conduct webinars, provide awareness content, and courses to educate the public about this disease and update the professionals with the latest trends and evidence-based research on kidney diseases and their management. This way, it becomes possible to flourish in an educated community with minimal risk of kidney disease and ensure that no patient loses their life due to kidney failure. Moreover, we strive hard to improve the standards of health policy and legislation. By doing so, we create a healthy community with fewer cases of renal disease and where those afflicted can thrive with better care.
As a newly established non-profit organization, we endeavor to maintain high ethical standards. We shall raise funding to support the foundation’s activities from charitable donations.
Members
The Team
KATHY VERDES APRN, A-GNP- C
Kathy earned her Master’s in Nursing Degree from Kaplan University in 2017. Kathy is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) as an Adult- Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP-C). Prior to her Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Degree (APRN), Kathy managed a weight loss clinic for over 6 years right here in Naples. Kathy has since then managed acute and chronic care illnesses in different settings, and she genuinely enjoys spending time with her patients.
SHAINA LYNDSAY
DEE CALDERIN, ESTHETICIAN, CMA
Dee, a skilled and certified esthetician, holds licenses in PMU and CMA. Her expertise lies in tailoring facials to your specific needs, as well as offering microneedling PRP/PRF and BB glow treatments. With her magical touch, Dee can transform your skin into a flawless and glowing canvas. Whether you desire a rejuvenating facial or a calming massage, Dee possesses the ability to make you feel like a million dollars. If you seek a skincare guru or a tranquil spa experience, your search ends here. Dee is ready to turn your skincare dreams into reality.
Dr. Sheri Mangueira
Dr. Sheri Mangueira is an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Educator with over 3 decades of clinical practice experience in Ocular Plastic Surgery, Infectious Disease, Community and Immigration Health, Primary and Urgent Care, Correctional Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Functional Medicine. She served as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing and currently serves as graduate nursing faculty with the University of Massachusetts – Boston and undergraduate nursing faculty with Keiser University – Naples. She completed her Master of Science in Public Health Nursing from the University of Florida. She received both her Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Massachusetts – Boston. Ms. Mangueira is nationally board certified as an Adult-Gero Primary Care Provider by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANC), and active member of the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FANP) and the Nurse Practitioners Council of Collier County (NPCCC). She holds numerous national certifications including Ophthalmology, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), and Aesthetics.
JAMES M. RAY, MD
James M. Ray, MD is an orthopedic surgeon who graduated Medical School in 1979 from Louisiana State University. Dr. Ray trained in Orthopedic Surgery at Orlando Health, Orlando, Florida. He was a Sports Medicine Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He was also an Academic Physician as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. He has a master’s degree in Executive Health Administration from the University of Florida, Gainesville. He has traveled with numerous Sports Teams Nationally and Internationally. He is now interested in the treatment and management of Orthopedic injuries, arthritis, and chronic problems limiting function. He specializes in Quality-of-life issues using IV therapies, biologic injectables, and immune boost treatments.
DEE CALDERIN, ESTHETICIAN, CMA
Dee, a skilled and certified esthetician, holds licenses in PMU and CMA. Her expertise lies in tailoring facials to your specific needs, as well as offering microneedling PRP/PRF and BB glow treatments. With her magical touch, Dee can transform your skin into a flawless and glowing canvas. Whether you desire a rejuvenating facial or a calming massage, Dee possesses the ability to make you feel like a million dollars. If you seek a skincare guru or a tranquil spa experience, your search ends here. Dee is ready to turn your skincare dreams into reality.