Finding hope through CMH Dialysis Center

Community
• 20 October 2026

For nearly four years, every step became harder for Donna Barsness. She struggled to breathe, walk and even put on her shoes as swelling spread throughout her body. She visited multiple hospitals, but no one could explain why she kept getting worse.

Doctors treated her for pneumonia, COPD and other conditions. Still, her health continued to decline.

Then she met nephrologist Russell Davis, D.O., at Citizens Memorial Hospital.

“He was the first person who realized something else was wrong,” Barsness said. “I had been telling people for years that something wasn’t right.”

Dr. Davis diagnosed Barsness with kidney disease and quickly connected her with the CMH Dialysis Center. After her first dialysis treatment, she noticed a difference.

“I could feel a surge of energy,” she said. “I just knew I was going to survive.”

Just days earlier, she believed she was preparing for the end of her life.

“The last time I came home from the hospital, I was planning my own funeral,” she said. “I was worn out physically, mentally and emotionally.”

Now, more than six months later, her life looks very different.

Barsness is breathing easier, walking again and enjoying time outside with her granddaughter. The swelling that once affected her entire body has decreased so much that, within two weeks of starting dialysis, she could wear her own shoes instead of the largest men’s slides she could find.

“You notice the little changes every time,” she said. “Those little changes are amazing.”

Barsness credits more than the dialysis treatments for the improvements she has experienced. She says the entire CMH team has made the difference.

From financial counselors who helped her secure insurance coverage to a dietitian, social worker and dialysis staff, Barsness says everyone works together to support patients.

“If they don’t have an answer, they will find one,” she said. “It’s like having your own team.”

She also appreciates receiving care close to home and the support she receives each time she visits the center.

“If something ever goes wrong, I know I can call my team,” she said. “Each time I come into the center, it’s the warm welcome. It can be a bad day or good day — the smiles are always there.”

Looking back, Barsness is grateful for the care that gave her hope when she had almost lost it.

“Don’t ever give up,” she said. “Come meet my team. See how great they are. They believe in you, and you will believe in yourself.”

Today, she describes herself as living proof of the difference compassionate care can make.

“I really think I owe my life to CMH Dialysis Center,” she said. “They saved my life.”

Donate to help dialysis patients

The CMH Dialysis Center and Nephrology Clinic Patient Assistance Fund helps support patients receiving care at the CMH Dialysis Center who may face financial challenges related to their treatment.

“We do see a lot of patients who are very restricted with their income because they are no longer able to work,” said Meleah Howard, CMH social worker.  “That not only puts a strain on our patients but also on their families. This fund helps by filling in those gaps so they can focus on their medical care.”

Donations help provide assistance with essential needs such as transportation, meals, approved dietary supplements, allowing patients to focus on their health and continuing the care they need. Every gift makes a meaningful difference for local patients and their families.

“It really truly is a joy to see the relief that can come off of the patients when I say we have a resource for that,” Howard said.

Learn more about donating to the CMH Foundation. You can designate gifts for the Dialysis Center. Or contact Jennifer Stegner at jennifer.stegner@citizensmemorial.com or 417-328-6318.