Board of Directors
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Jeffrey R. Vizethann holds a BS in Biology and Chemistry from the University at Albany along with a MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Stern School at NYU. He has been involved in the Renal community since 1999, and worked with Shad and his foundation since 2005. Jeff is 100% committed to working with Shad to help Renal patients achieve better outcomes and quality of life through Education, Exercise and Technology. As a member of the board of Directors, Jeff has given guidance and direction to Shad over the past five years and is looking forward to continuing in that role as the Chairman of the Board. The Foundation is working hard to bring positive solutions to patients around the globe through the use of Technology. We continue to innovate and bring new and better solutions to help patients. Jeff is an avid Triathlete and has competed in over 100 events since his first Sprint Triathlon in 1989. He recently completed his 4th Ironman event and is now the race director for an Olympic Distance event he hosts in NY. |
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“Russ is a hilarious character and was a great football player. He was not only one of our key leaders on a pretty good team (5 Super Bowls) but as importantly he has successfully learned to focus, as well as anyone, on finding ways to push himself and his teammates to get better each and every day. And believe me, he has the time of his life doing it. You won’t soon forget this encounter.”
Bill Walsh Former Head Coach San Francisco 49ers |
The World Champion San Francisco 49ers in the 1980s epitomized team work, high performance, and accomplishing goals against strong odds. Russ Francis was the 49er’s starting tight end on what is often considered the best offensive football team to ever play the game. Russ was coached by the best: Bill Walsh, head coach of the 49ers. “Working with a master at motivation and strategy was a privilege. I got a lot more out of playing football than a superbowl ring,” says Russ. He played with the New England Patriots for 8 years and won Rookie of the Year honors his first year in the NFL. Russ was selected to play in the Pro Bowl 4 times. After football, friend and mentor Howard Cosell encouraged Russ to be a sports broadcaster. It was Howard that first used the phrase “All World” while describing Russ’ play as a rookie with the Patriots. Russ joined Howard at ABC Sports to work with Keith Jackson, Bob Beattie and Al Michaels broadcasting college football and a variety of other sports all over the world. Russ has handled broadcasting assignments for ESPN X Games, Fox Sports and produced sports television programs and radio shows. “I learned quickly that the NFL was not just a game—it was a business. And after playing for 14 years I got involved in many business and media ventures. In business I could see the fine line between super performance and profits and unfocused performance and failure. In a tough economic cycle like we are experiencing now, the companies that are not operating at peak levels will be defeated by companies operating with more urgency and efficiency. We have to resist complacency and motivate ourselves and our teammates constantly to stay sharp. I want to teach American companies that every employee’s thinking and performance can become a “new normal” of high achievement that translates into profits.” Russ grew up around a legendary cast of characters. His father was a world-class wrestling promoter. “I actually had Andre the Giant as a baby-sitter when I was a kid and wrestled Jesse “The Body/The Governor” Ventura as a young man,” Russ remembers. Russ held the U.S. National High School & World Record for his age group in the javelin throw at age 17 and was selected to the Olympic Training Team for the javelin event in 1971. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals baseball team while attending the University of Oregon. Russ was a member of the U.S. National Championship Skydiving Team and has over 3500 jumps. Russ is a commercial airplane and helicopter pilot, has been a test pilot, and has performed in air shows all over the U.S. |
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Dynamic board certified Private Practice Nephrologist with 12 years of clinical experience caring for patients with CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), Hypertension, Diabetes, and after renal transplant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Also, a 22-year survivor with Type I Diabetes. Active recreational athlete with accomplishments ranging from competing in Ironman Triathlon, Ultra marathons, and Ultra-cycling races including the RAAM (Race Across America). Strong proponent of fitness as a means to better control chronic illness and contribute to an improved quality of life. Active in encouraging patients to participate in regular fitness activities as a “prescription” to better health. |
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Kathy Weck, LICSW, has a BS in Social Work and a Masters in Social Work, both from the University of Minnesota. She has been the Pediatric Nephrology social worker at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital since 1985. She has worked with Shad and his foundation from almost its inception and has known and worked with Shad since he was a 13 year old, scared, confused, adolescent dialysis patient. Those early years with Shad were a challenge to both patient and social worker. She has watched Shad change as he improved his life by becoming healthier and achieved his goal of becoming a Triathlete and starting his Foundation. Shad has provided Fitness Grants to some of Kathy’s patients and proved through these grants that fitness is a means to better control chronic illness as well as improve a patient’s quality of life. She continues to support and encourage patients to participate in regular fitness activities, and is committed to being an active member on Shad’s Board of Directors. |
