Our impact

No kidney organization impacts more lives than the American Kidney Fund (AKF). From prevention through post-transplant living, we are proud to be there by the sides of patients through each and every challenge that comes their way. We are grateful to our big-hearted donor community that makes all of this work possible.

AKF Ambassador - Ellery Payton
Miles Raley, age 10, at Camp All Stars

Connecting Miles to his 'kidney community'

Miles never dreamed he'd go to sleepaway camp, due to his kidney problems. But thanks to AKF, he was able to attend Camp All Stars, which is designed for children with kidney disease. There, he met other kids who he could relate to—and even made a bestie. "I was really nervous at first because I was away from home for the first time, but I had so much fun. Also, the food was good!"

Donors make all the difference

People like you are the reason that the American Kidney Fund changes lives, delivers hope and builds a better future for more than 35 million Americans living with kidney disease.

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    We make 134 kidney transplants possible every month, more than anyone else.

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    AKF has been driving kidney research forward for 30+ years through our Clinical Scientist in Nephrology program.

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    2023 marked 22 consecutive years of AKF receiving Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating, the only kidney organization to achieve this honor.

Your support goes further with AKF

Here's what your donations to AKF helped us accomplish in 2023.

134 transplants monthly

134 transplants monthly

134 kidney transplants per month made possible with AKF's support, more than any other organization.

66,000 patients

66,000 patients

More than 66,000 dialysis and recent transplant patients were able to afford health care coverage and other treatment-related expenses.

More than $70,000 in disaster grants

More than $70,000 in disaster grants

More than $70,000 provided to nearly 300 kidney patients affected by natural disasters.

51 scientists

51 scientists

51 alumni and current AKF scientists advanced nephrology research.

6,000 kidney health coaches

6,000 kidney health coaches

completed our training course to educate others about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle

More than 200 kids and teens

More than 200 kids and teens

connected with their peers in our National Virtual Camp Program for pediatric kidney patients.

RIley Crowder at the hospital

Helping Riley pay it forward

Riley Crowder was diagnosed with kidney failure at age four. She is a two-time transplant recipient who received assistance through AKF patient programs. One of Riley’s proudest milestones was earning her Master’s degree and becoming a Child Life Specialist—her way of paying it forward. She’s normalizing the hospital experience for children by helping them understand their medical procedures and, in turn, prevent the trauma she experienced.

Dr. Pablo Garcia, an AKF Clinical Scientist in Nephrology research fellow

Funding Dr. Garcia's passion for helping patients

Dr. Pablo Garcia, an AKF Clinical Scientist in Nephrology fellow, is on a mission to help kidney patients through research. He also partners with AKF in developing educational materials in Spanish. “During my residency in New Jersey, I cared for multiple patients with chronic kidney disease and saw how challenging it is for them to navigate the system, to learn about kidney disease, to understand their own disease and to make decisions related to their care. All these experiences reinforced my passion for nephrology.”

 

Ellery Payton, an AKF Ambassador advocate, with his son, Caleb.

Supporting Ellery's journey from patient to advocate

Ellery Payton is a two-time transplant recipient whose second transplant was made financially possible by AKF. Today, he helps others living with kidney disease as an AKF Ambassador. He has marked many milestones over the years, but the one he's most proud of is adopting his son in 2000. Even when his first kidney failed, this dedicated dad never missed one of his son’s soccer games or swim meets. “Being a father has been the most rewarding thing in my life. He is my WHY, and the reason I fight every day to live my best healthy life.”

smiling woman sitting in chair wearing tie dye shirt with dog in background

AKF allowed me to focus on my health and prioritize my new kidney. I didn't have to worry about how I was going to pay for my insurance. They had my back when I needed it.

Alysia Yamasaki

Make your impact on kidney patients today

You make the complex work of fighting kidney disease on all fronts possible: 97 cents of every dollar you donate goes directly to patients and programs.

 

Make your impact on kidney patients today

Wherever patients are, we're there for them

From when someone first is at risk for kidney disease all the way through post-transplant living, AKF is there providing free resources and patient-centered programs to make sure they don't have to fight alone. Your support can amplify our impact for 1 in 7 American adults living with kidney disease!

Add your loved one's name to our virtual Tribute Wall to honor or remember their fight

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