East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.™

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Premier Surgical Associates is the region’s largest vascular and general surgical group, performing general, vascular, bariatric, breast and laparoscopic procedures. Premier has a large presence in East Tennessee, with offices in Knoxville, Alcoa, Crossville, Dandridge, Lenoir City, Morristown and Sevierville. Vascular surgeons create a vascular access for patients whom will be starting dialysis soon. A vascular access is a surgically created vein used to remove and return blood during hemodialysis. When necessary, surgeons also reconstruct collapsed accesses and perform other procedures relating to preparation of the veins and arteries for dialysis.

In 1958, Thurman Averitt founded Livingston Merchant’s Co-op, a small trucking company that hauled dry goods mostly between Nashville, TN and Livingston, TN. In 1969, Thurman incorporated his small company and called it Averitt Express. While making regular deliveries in Nashville, Thurman became acquainted with a young dockworker who helped him unload his trailer. This young man’s name was Gary Sasser. Gary happened to ask Thurman one day if he would be interested in selling his company. After some thought, Thurman said yes. In October of 1971, Gary Sasser, at the age of 21, purchased Averitt Express, which at the time consisted of two associates, three tractors and five trailers. Today, Averitt Express is one of the nation’s leading freight transportation and supply chain management providers.

Some people would say that DCI began when the doors to the first clinic were opened. Some would also say that’s starting in the middle. The true beginning lies in the heartbreaks and successes of early dialysis.