As founder and Chief Executive Officer of the YNOTT? Foundation, it has truly been an honor to work alongside Mr. Tifiro Cook for the past 12 years. Tifiro has served our organization in numerous roles over the years. As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, he has helped to provide support to thousands of pediatric transplant patients and their families across the country by visiting them regularly at local children’s hospitals to deliver hope and inspiration, as well as gifts to children on dialysis. He has also visited Capital University & The Ohio State University for several semesters on our behalf to educate students on the organ transplantation process. Lastly, he’s heavily involved in the planning of our Organ Donor Awareness, Patient & Family Support, and Youth Disease Prevention annual symposiums. These symposiums encourage youth to become registered organ & tissue donors, while also promoting health & wellness and disease prevention in the community.
As a kidney transplant recipient, I often go to Tifiro with any questions or concerns I have related to my own transplant and health journey. I consider him my Kidney Care Coach. I am confident that Tifiro and his team will provide exceptional patient services and truly be a great resource to kidney patients across the country.
This letter of support is written to recognize Tifiro Cook as he continues to work to improve the lives of kidney patients in the community.
— Edward D. Drake II, Founder of the YNOTT? Foundation
“T, you are so, so amazing! As being one of your dialysis nurses, you never just focused on you! You cared about every patient who came to that unit, on your shift. Many of days I could tell when you didn’t feel well, but you pushed through it. You stayed on top communicating with your doctors, you constantly worked out on your days off treatment, you watched your diet, you knew the ins and outs about your dialysis treatments and care. You never took a back seat. Best is all, you assist other patients with chair exercises, talked to them about their care, and was always an “ear” for everyone including staff if needed. 🙄 Out of my 33 yrs of nursing, you are the best!!! Praise God for people like you. Thanks for all you do!!
— Theresa Dobbins
I watched you and listened to you in those early years of kidney disease and you never wavered, was never defeated, and took it on like it was one of those backs you used to crush coming through that line! Your determination, fight, commitment, and uncanny ability to make it seem like a walk in the park to those on the outside has always amazed me, among others! I’m so proud of you, and I am honored to have witnessed your battles, as it makes all of us as friends more aware, more tuned in, and more importantly don’t take your plight or those before you and behind you lightly! Love you always-I mean that!”
— Robin Ferguson
From dialysis to the dance floor. His dream of line dancing again drove every step of his recovery.
In July 2017, I was told my kidneys were functioning at only 5% and I needed to start dialysis immediately. After struggling to find a trainer who truly understood my needs as a dialysis patient, I found Kidney Care Coaches and owner Tifiro Cook — a two-time kidney recipient himself. Through personalized nutrition and exercise coaching, I lost nearly 90 lbs. and qualified for the transplant list, receiving my transplant on May 25th, 2022. The habits and accountability I built with Kidney Care Coaches not only got me to the transplant — they're helping me thrive afterward.
(Photo by Kampus Production represents his goal, not the client himself.)
More Stories Coming Soon!
As of May 2026, our website is still in development. More client journeys will be featured here soon.
Reviews from “The 10 Dialysis Commandments” by Tifiro Cook
"The 10 Dialysis Commandments" by Tifiro Cook is an inspiring and practical guide that fills a crucial gap in patient education for those navigating the challenging journey of dialysis. Drawing from his personal experience as both a dialysis patient and kidney transplant survivor, Cook offers an authentic and relatable perspective that resonates deeply with patients.
As a healthcare provider, I appreciate how this book complements clinical care by empowering patients to take an active role in their health. The commandments provide clear, actionable advice on topics such as diet, self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and maintaining a positive mindset.
What sets this book apart is its tone—encouraging, realistic, and compassionate—making it an invaluable resource for newly diagnosed patients as well as those looking for renewed guidance during their dialysis journey. I would recommend it not only to my patients but also to their families, caregivers, and even fellow providers seeking insight into the patient experience.
Laurena Dongmo Fotsing, MD, MPH
We have the honor of bearing witness to an extraordinary journey of resilience, advocacy, and transformation. This book is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its author, Tifiro Cook, who has transformed his battle with kidney disease into a powerful crusade for change. His story goes beyond mere survival; it is a heartfelt call to action, urging us all to embrace awareness, empathy, and meaningful engagement.
Through the pages of this book, Cook not only shares his own struggles but also offers a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges. His words are imbued with the raw honesty of lived experience, while his actions underscore his unwavering dedication to this vital cause. Beyond the confines of these pages, Cook's tireless advocacy work in the realm of kidney disease awareness has established him as a catalyst for change, amplifying the voices of those often overlooked.
His journey reminds us that change is achievable and imperative, underscoring our individual responsibility to contribute to its realization. As you immerse yourself in Cook's narrative, allow his resilience to stir your spirit and let his advocacy ignite a fire within you. Through his words and deeds, Tifiro Cook implores each of us to become agents of change in our own spheres. Let us heed his call, learn from his example, and honor his rallying cry: "Let him Cook."
Keith Edwards, RN
Nephrology/Business Professional
