Supporting Our CKD Food Journey

Sometimes the most meaningful ideas begin with a personal experience.

After The Sandbox President, Neil Campolungo was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), he quickly discovered how overwhelming kidney nutrition could be. The conflicting advice, endless food lists, and uncertainty around what to eat made an already difficult journey even more challenging.

That’s when he met Vanessa Connolly, RDN, CSR, LD, founder of Grains & Green Kidneys.

Vanessa didn’t simply hand Neil a list of foods to avoid. She taught him how nutrition could become one of the most powerful tools for supporting kidney health. Instead of focusing on fear and restriction, she helped him understand which foods nourish the kidneys, how to make practical everyday choices, and how food could become part of his long-term wellness journey.

Neil knew other people living with CKD deserved the same encouragement and support.

Through our partnership with Vanessa, The Sandbox had the privilege of walking alongside two individuals on their own CKD food journey. Each participant received personalized guidance, practical education, and one-on-one coaching tailored to their unique health needs and lifestyle. More importantly, they gained confidence, hope, and the knowledge to make informed choices that support their kidney function and overall well-being.

Vanessa was an incredible partner throughout the process. Her expertise, compassion, and ability to simplify a complex diagnosis made a lasting impact on the lives of those we served.

At The Sandbox, we believe that sometimes changing someone’s story starts with something as simple as sharing a meal, offering encouragement, and reminding them they don’t have to navigate the journey alone.