WASHINGTON, D.C., (May 14, 2020) — Today, Dialysis Patients Citizens (DPC) released statements from U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and leaders in the dialysis community in honor of the late Jack Reynolds, who served as former DPC president and a founding Board member.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA):

“One of the privileges of public service is meeting Iowans like Jack Reynolds. A farm kid who nearly lost his life at age 4, Jack survived against the odds of a 100-gallon barrel of water crushing his abdomen. By age 22, his internal injuries led to renal failure. For more than 45 years, Jack depended on lifesaving visits to renal clinics. These four-hour-long dialysis treatments, delivered three times a week, channeled into Jack’s nearly half-century of advocacy for others. I met with him several times over the years to work on policy reforms to help dialysis patients, a community of 468,000 Americans across the country. Although he deserves every ounce of limelight for his part in the acclaimed 2013 motion picture “Nebraska,” Jack’s starring role as a patient advocate for dialysis patients will shine for years to come. As the longest dialysis patient in Iowa, Jack blazed a remarkable trail of survival and perseverance. Barbara and I send our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and friends.”

DaVita CEO Javier Rodriguez: 

“Jack transformed a tragic accident into a lifetime of inspiration. He was a fighting force who gave courage to so many patients and care team members at his DaVita center in Des Moines. On top of that, his advocacy work lifted up dialysis patients across the country. We are grateful to Jack’s longtime doctor, Dr. Shadur, and his care team for their work to support his incredible journey over the years. Our community will grieve Jack’s loss as deeply as we celebrate the clear and lasting mark he left behind.”   

Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) President Andrew Conkling: 

“It is with great sadness that we honor the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Jack Reynolds. The kidney community lost a legend in Jack, and his life and work were a testament to his generosity of spirit. As one of the longest living dialysis patients in the world, Jack was an inspiration to countless others with kidney disease. Despite being on dialysis for more than 45 years, Jack never let his health condition define him or slow him down, and always made the most out of life. Jack was a founding Board member of DPC, as well as our longest serving President. While Jack spent decades advocating for better kidney care and treatment, he was also an accomplished actor with roles in the movies ‘Nebraska’ and ‘Downsizing’, among others. But beyond his resolute commitment to our organization and impressive acting career, Jack was most of all a good person who saw the best in everyone. He always remained humble and modest despite his many accomplishments and accolades. He was a voice for dialysis patients in his home state of Iowa and across the country, and always spoke up for those who were unable to speak up for themselves. His leadership, service to others, and tireless dedication to the kidney community are unmatched. While our hearts are filled with sadness, they are also filled with gratitude. We are thankful and blessed to have worked with Jack so closely and to call him a friend. We send our prayers and deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) CEO Hrant Jamgochian: 

“When Jack was first diagnosed with kidney failure in 1974, he was also told that he may only have 5 years to live.  An eternal optimist, Jack decided to learn everything he could about kidney disease, and to make the most out of each and every day.  So, it is perhaps no surprise that 30 years later Jack would join in founding Dialysis Patient Citizens to further empower patients through advocacy and education.  In the meantime, he decided to go into acting, appearing in the movies “Nebraska” and “Downsizing.”  Even after his new found fame, Jack remained unassuming and never wanted to draw attention to himself.  As the leader for our organization, Jack felt as though he was just doing his part as a citizen to speak out for others.  At the same time, Jack’s perseverance in the face of adversity inspired all of us.  Jack was well-known and loved by many in the kidney community and will be greatly missed. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

REMEMBERING JACK:

To read Jack’s obituary, please click here.

To watch a video celebrating Jack’s lifetime of service to the kidney community, prepared by DaVita, please click here.

To watch a video honoring Jack as the recipient the DPC Education Center’s award for Patient Education and Public Service, please click here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Public Graveside Services for Jack will be held 11 a.m., Monday, May 18, 2020 at the Palmyra Cemetery, Palmyra, IA. You may also join family and friends on the Website Live Stream located on his obituary page here.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dialysis Patient Citizens online at: https://www.dialysispatients.org/get-involved/donate/

Those wishing to honor Jack’s life may also donate to the Palmyra Church Restoration Project by mailing a check to:

Palmyra Trustees/Church Restoration Project, c/o Bob Lanman, Township Clerk
18561 Erbe St.
Carlisle, IA 50047

More details about the Palmyra Church, which Jack was a member of, and its restoration project may be found by clicking here.