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.
Camp Connections offers children with kidney disease a chance to connect with and relate to their peers.
Children living with kidney disease or kidney failure spend an average of 8-14 days a year in the hospital, often missing school, extracurricular activities and social lives to receive critical health care. This can lead to an increased sense of social isolation and loneliness, on top of navigating the challenges of a life-altering disease. Camp Connections offers a break from these challenges and allows them a chance to connect with others who truly understand.
Each virtual camper receives a welcome bag from AKF as well as the supplies for each monthly activity – including (but not limited to) BINGO nights, art classes, STEM-related experiments and gingerbread house decorating.
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 2024.
133 transplants monthly
133 kidney transplants per month made possible with AKF's support, more than any other organization.
More than 70,000 patients
More than 70,000 dialysis and recent transplant patients were able to afford health care coverage and other treatment-related expenses.
Nearly $420,000 in disaster grants
More than $420,000 provided to more than 1,600 kidney patients affected by natural disasters.
57 scientists
51 alumni and current AKF scientists advanced nephrology research.
More than 7,000 kidney health coaches
completed our training course to educate others about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle
155 kids and teens
connected with their peers in Camp Connections for pediatric kidney patients.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Make your impact on kidney patients today
You make the complex work of fighting kidney disease on all fronts possible: 96 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!
Learn how to live healthy and resume normal activities after a transplant including which foods to eat, exercising, and preventing infection.
Understand how to follow a healthy eating plan for chronic kidney disease (CKD) by limiting certain foods in your diet.
The first 30 days of dialysis treatment represent an enormously challenging time. Use our checklist as a guide as you begin creating your new normal.
Learn about why diversity in clinical trials is important and consider why you should take part in a clinical trial.
You choose how to fight!
Learn about the various ways that you can financially support AKF to help us be there for patients and their families when they need us most.
