Featured Board Member

Featured Board Member: Sarretta McDonough, Esq.

NephCure continues to feature different people who play a role in the overall success of the Foundation. From patients to family members to doctors to staff, our intention is to allow everyone to learn more about the people involved in finding a cure for FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.

This month, NephCure is featuring Sarretta McDonough, an attorney from Santa Monica, CA. This 38-year-old mother of two, Lauren (5)  and Kellen (10 months) photo left, is a board member for NephCure. Her older daughter has Nephrotic Syndrome and she is learning to balance her work and her children, while dealing with the effects of kidney disease.

How/why did you get involved with NephCure? 
My daughter Lauren was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at age 3.  I found NephCure’s website almost immediately and have been involved ever since.  Two years ago I decided to get more involved and joined the Board.

What impresses you most about NephCure?
I love that it is singularly focused, and never cease to be impressed by all the passion that the parents and families bring to fundraising and to raise awareness to this terrible disease.

What do you think sets NephCure apart from other kidney disease non-profits?
I like to think of NephCure as a populist, grass roots foundation – driven by the dedication and love of parents and families who are determined to find a cure.

What are your hobbies and other interests?
I enjoy travel and planning travel for my friends and families. 

What is one thing everyone should know about you?
I’m a mean cook!

Who is the most influential person in your life?
My kids inspire me more than anyone else in the world. They dictate my choices and remind me every day of the importance of serving as a good role model.

If you had access to the DeLorean from the movie Back to the Future (a time machine) what time period, past or future, would you visit? Why?
I would go back to 1963.  I was named after my paternal great-grandmother, but never knew her because she died a few years before I was born.  My maternal grandfather also died before I was born.  I have heard so many wonderful stories from family and friends who knew each of them and would love to spend a day getting to know them.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be? 
A bird. Flying would be pretty amazing.

What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
I haven’t followed or listened to current music since the 1990s.  I live in the 70s and 80s as far as musical taste.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 
I cannot stand bad drivers.

If you could have lunch with three other people, living or dead, who would they be?
Since I’ve already gone back in time in the Delorean to visit my great-grandmother and paternal grandfather, I’ll pick anew for this answer: the Virgin Mary, Shakespeare and Jane Austen.

What was your favorite subject in school? 
History

What is your most prized possession?
My Passport. Traveling is extremely important to me.