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The American Kidney Fund manages its grant application process through the online Grants Management System (GMS)
If you are living with kidney failure (also called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD) and you can’t afford your health care expenses, the American Kidney Fund may be able to help.
We’re here to answer your questions about kidney disease.
Ensuring that U.S. dialysis patients are able to afford their medical expenses has been the heart of the American Kidney Fund’s mission since our founding 45 years ago.
Your kidneys are vital organs that remove waste and extra fluid from your blood.
Anyone can get CKD. Some people are more at risk than others.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually gets worse slowly, and symptoms may not appear until your kidneys are badly damaged.
CKD can cause problems with how the other parts of your body are working.
Working with your doctor to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control is one of the best ways to prevent kidney disease.
The only way to know how well your kidneys are working is to get tested.
Although the damage cannot be fixed, you can take steps to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
You may be able to prevent kidney disease from getting worse by following a kidney-friendly diet.
An estimated 31 million people in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In most cases, kidney failure is caused by other health problems that have done permanent damage (harm) to your kidneys little by little, over time.
If you have ESRD, you will need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
Learn what to expect as you’re starting dialysis and where you can get help.
ESRD, or kidney failure, can cause problems with how the other parts of your body are working.
If you’re on dialysis, it’s important to be ready if disaster strikes.
Limiting your intake of fluids and certain nutrients may help you prevent or control the complications of kidney failure.
Kidney failure is when your kidneys are not working well enough for you to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Having blood in your urine (pee) can be a sign of kidney problems.
Protein in the urine is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease.
Kidney stones are one of the most common kidney problems.
When the kidneys stop working suddenly, it is called acute kidney injury or acute kidney failure.
Kidney infections should be treated right away to prevent permanent kidney damage.
Kidney pain might be felt in your middle to upper back and/or the sides of your abdomen.
Finding and treating kidney problems early can help prevent permanent kidney damage.
If you have glomerulonephritis, the tiny filters in your kidneys, called glomeruli, are damaged or irritated.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes many cysts to grow inside your kidneys.
Also known as Berger’s disease, IgA nephropathy is a disorder in which the protein IgA forms clumps inside the kidneys’ tiny filters.
Lupus nephritis is swelling and irritation of the kidneys caused by the autoimmune disease lupus.
Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that show that there is a problem with your kidneys.
Kidney cancer, a type of cancer that starts in your kidneys, can happen in adults and children.
Some rare, or less common, diseases can cause kidney damage that leads to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
There are many health conditions that can damage your kidneys and lead to CKD and ESRD.
You can save a life by donating a kidney!
Find more information about kidney disease
The American Kidney Fund offers free health screenings, nutrition and fitness presentations and follow-up services, including medical referrals and public education materials.
Some kidney problems may be temporary, or symptoms of other conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can lead to kidney failure.
Learn about your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), a test for renal function.
To check for protein in your urine, your doctor may suggest a urine test. Learn more about the two types of urine tests your doctor may use.
The only way to know if your kidneys are healthy is to get tested.
View a list of upcoming screening events.
Learn about our signature outreach event.
Learn about what happens at a screening and how you can prepare for one.
Diabetes is the #1 risk factor for kidney disease.
High blood pressure is the #2 cause of kidney failure.
If members of your family have diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease, you may be at increased risk.
Being over age 60 increases your risk for kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and Asian Americans are more likely to have kidney disease.
Although diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney disease, other diseases and conditions can also lead to kidney disease and kidney failure.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney disease.
What you eat and drink affects your health. Learn tips for better eating.
Exercise can help you stay healthy!
Limit how much alcohol you drink. Drinking alcohol in large amounts can make your blood pressure too high.
Caring for your health takes teamwork.
KidneyAPPetite™ is a FREE App for iPhone™ and iPod touch™ designed to help dialysis patients track fluids and the nutrients in the foods they eat each day.
In many cases, kidney disease can be prevented. Learn about your risk and what you can do to live healthy.
Get training to help improve your community's health.
Tune in to a free webinar each month to learn from the experts about living well with kidney disease.
We offer online CE courses for health care professionals caring for patients with, and at risk for, chronic kidney disease.
Meet the current CSN fellows.
Some of nephrology’s brightest scholars are past CSN fellows.
The Clinical Scientist in Nephrology (CSN) program improves the quality of care provided to kidney patients and promotes clinical research in nephrology.
There is strength in numbers. Make your voice heard—join our nationwide Advocacy Network.
Keeping policymakers informed is critical in the fight against kidney disease.
Find your U.S. Senators and Representatives and learn about their initiatives.
We advocate on behalf of more than 650,000 Americans living with kidney failure, the estimated 31 million Americans with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the millions more who are at risk.
Learn about specific legislative and regulatory issues we are working on.
We are actively working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on regulations that would affect kidney patients
Find information about the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives or your elected state representatives and more.
Learn about legislative and regulatory issues that affect kidney patients.
Our advocacy eNewsletter will keep you up-to-date on what’s happening with kidney-related legislation and policies.
Our Advocates are making a difference in Washington and in their communities.
Keep up with our most recent advocacy efforts.
Get updates on what’s going on in our Advocacy Network.
We work with Congress, the administration, federal agencies, and state governments to advance legislation and regulatory policies important to kidney patients and their families.
There are many ways you can get involved and help us accomplish our mission.
Your support is more than a donation, it is an investment in the lives of children and adults struggling with kidney disease.
Celebrate your loved one, relative, friend or colleague with a memorial or tribute donation.
Your used car, truck, boat or RV can be a vehicle of support for kidney patients.
In some cities, your used clothing and household goods can help kidney patients.
Donating stocks and bonds to AKF may have tax advantages for you.
Find a list of the most common ways to give at work.
Whether you would like to support our work today or benefit us after your lifetime, you can find a charitable plan that lets you provide for your family and support AKF.
AKF partners with dynamic corporate partners to help people fight kidney disease.
There are many ways you can give in support of patients in need.
The Hope Affair, held each fall, is our inspirational national gala.
Our Cambridge, Massachusetts fundraiser is a culinary treat.
Join us at this business-trendy spirits and food pairing event benefitting the lifesaving work of the American Kidney Fund.
Each August, supporters in our Northeast Region hit the links in support of AKF.
Attend a free kidney health screening to find out how well your kidneys are working.
Events across the country raise funds to help kidney patients and increase kidney disease awareness.
When you purchase items from our online store, you’ll help support the important work of the American Kidney Fund.
Make your voice heard—join our nationwide Advocacy Network.
Volunteer with the American Kidney Fund.
Children living with kidney disease can enter our annual art contest.
Stay connected with our mission to help people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives.
You can get involved and help us deliver programs that educate, build awareness, and drive advocacy, resulting in greater public understanding and ultimately the prevention of kidney disease.
Come join us as we work toward a world without kidney disease!
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