Message from the President and CEO

Dear Friend

People everywhere are talking about health care reform.  It’s a conversation that is sometimes difficult to follow; but it’s a very important conversation for the kidney care community as well as all people living with chronic diseases. The American Kidney Fund is fighting to ensure that those with and at risk for chronic kidney disease are considered.

An estimated 31 million Americans are living with chronic kidney disease, though many are unaware because of the silent nature of the condition.

Left undiagnosed and untreated, chronic kidney disease can progress to kidney failure. For the more than 500,000 Americans who are living with kidney failure, survival depends upon dialysis or transplantation. Kidney failure imposes an enormous cost burden on patients and on the nation, accounting for nearly 6 percent of all Medicare spending.

The American Kidney Fund believes that the goal of health care reform should be to assure that all Americans, including those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, have access to optimal care that meets their needs and improves their quality of life.

We envision a world without kidney disease, so as Congress seeks to addresses health reform, it is important that these principles be incorporated to ensure that kidney patients have access to the health care they need.

I invite you to visit our website to learn more about our positions relating to health care reform. If your life has been directly affected by chronic kidney disease, I would like to invite you to join the growing number of people who have shared their stories with us.

With best wishes for your continued good health,

LaVarne A. Burton
President and CEO

American Kidney Fund’s First National Gala, The Hope Affair, Raises Over $600,000

The kidney care community turned out in force on the evening of October 6th for the American Kidney Fund’s national gala, The Hope Affair. The sold-out, first-time event raised over $600,000 for American Kidney Fund programs and services in support of those with and at risk for kidney disease.

The theme of The Hope Affair 2009 was “Making News. Leading the Way.” Kent J. Thiry, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of DaVita, served as 2009 Event Chair.
More than 350 guests attended The Hope Affair, which was held at the Newseum in downtown Washington, D.C., and emceed by Wolf Blitzer, anchor of CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. Four key Congressional lawmakers were honored for supporting the interests of kidney patients:

• Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) received the Kidney Patient Leadership Award
• Rep. Donna M. Christensen (D-VI) received the Kidney Patient Advocate Award
• Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) received the Kidney Patient Champion Award
• Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) received the Kidney Patient Rising Star Award

The Hope Affair was supported by the generosity of many sponsors, including DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care North America, Amgen, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, American Renal Associates, Renal Advantage, Technical Resources International, Genzyme, and U.S. Renal Care.

Spotlight on Health – Important Information for Kidney Patients

2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

The American Kidney Fund’s website contains updated information about the H1N1 virus and recommendations for kidney patients.

It’s thought that H1N1 flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.

Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result. 2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun but initial supplies are small. More doses are expected for shipment each week.

AKF Launches Online Store – Car Ribbon Magnet and 2010 Calendars Available Now

The holiday season is quickly approaching. Get some early shopping done while showing your support for kidney patients! Visit the AKF store and order a Fight Kidney Disease car ribbon magnet or a 2010 AKF Calendar, featuring illustrations from children with kidney disease. Order now while supplies last! 

AKF to Make Steps that Count in Silver Spring, MD

The American Kidney Fund will hold its 4th Annual Steps That Count walkathon, a walk for kidney patients, in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, on Sunday, Oct. 25.  Friends and supporters of the American Kidney Fund will complete a three-mile walk to help raise funds for kidney patients in need. Sonya Foster, Account Executive with Comcast Spotlight, will be serving as Walk Chair for this year’s event.

All proceeds of the walk will be used to support the programs of the American Kidney Fund. Participants can raise money individually, as a team or as a virtual walker. Onsite registration is also available on Oct. 25. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org or contact Rhonda Watson either by e-mail or at (301) 984-6654.

AKF is on Twitter! Are you following?

The American Kidney Fund invites you to follow us on Twitter. Stay up to date on everything that’s happening at AKF, find out about special events and health screenings, tweet us and more! You can quickly become a follower by clicking here.