American Kidney Fund

Nation's leading voluntary health organization serving people with, and at risk for, kidney disease through direct financial assistance, comprehensive education, clinical research and community service programs.

How do you help people in my community?

The American Kidney Fund has no boundaries when it comes to helping those afflicted with kidney failure.  The Fund helps those in need regardless of which city or state they reside in.  If you know of anyone in your community who is in need of financial assistance, please have them contact the American Kidney Fund at 800-638-8299.

Why do you need my support?

Over 400,000 Americans suffer from end stage renal diseases (ESRD).  This means that their kidneys no longer perform the vital functions necessary to maintain life, and they must have regular dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant in order to survive.  Here is what the power of your contribution can accomplish:

$25                   provides transportation for a dialysis patient to get to and from the dialysis center or hospital for 1 day.  Patients must travel to the dialysis center 3-4 times a week for treatment.

$50                   enables a hypertensive kidney patient to purchase a blood pressure cuff.  High blood pressure is the #2 cause of kidney failure.

$100                 buys nutritional supplements to help nourish a frail adult or pediatric dialysis patient.

$125                 enables a diabetic kidney patient to purchase a 1-year supply of syringes.  Diabetes is the #1 cause of kidney failure.

$300                 provides wheelchair van transportation to take a disabled dialysis patient to and from treatments for 1 week.

$750                 buys immunosuppressive medication for a transplant recipient for 1 month.  Transplant patients must take these medications for the rest of their lives to prevent rejection.

$1,000               provides airfare for a patient and a kidney donor to travel for an out-of-area transplant.

$2,400               buys medication for a dialysis patient for 1 year.  Most dialysis patients take medications to control high blood pressure, prevent anemia and bone disease, and to treat underlying diseases.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

In 2003, the Fund returned $.95 on every donated dollar to the community in direct programs and services.  For this achievement, the Fund has been named “best charity” by Reader’s Digest, a “Gold Star” charity by Forbes magazine, and has received the “Excellent, Four Star” rating by Charity Navigator.

Can I Volunteer? How?

There are times when we are in need of volunteers to help support health fairs, special events and educational mailings.  If you are interested in volunteering, call 800-638-8299 and ask about volunteer opportunities.