The American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has partnered with PicnicHealth on a virtual research study for people with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The purpose of this study is to increase IgAN awareness and advance research about this disease to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of IgAN. Learn more about AKF, its programming, and its mission.
About AKF
AKF fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease — from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy.
Our partnership with PicnicHealth
AKF has partnered with PicnicHealth on a project for patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) to increase awareness and improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of IgAN through real-world data research and medical record access. IgAN patients who use PicnicHealth's platform to house their medical information have a unique opportunity to further medical research on their disease. With their consent, patients contribute anonymized medical records to PicnicHealth’s real-world datasets that can help researchers identify trends, supplement clinical trials and understand effectiveness of new treatments.
Be heard
Join our Rare Kidney Disease Action Network (RKDAN)
The American Kidney Fund’s Rare Kidney Disease Action Network (RKDAN) is a new effort that will play a vital role in ensuring that the voices of people fighting rare kidney diseases are heard and amplified.
When you become a part of our welcoming Rare Kidney Disease Action Network you will have the chance to connect with other people who are also navigating the challenges of living with rare and genetic kidney diseases. Together, we'll explore the issues that affect kidney care, and you'll participate in engaging sessions on how to effectively communicate with the public and the people who make decisions about your health. From diagnosis to treatment, sharing your story can help others to benefit from your journey.
IgA nephropathy resources: Learn more about living with IgAN
More About IgA nephropathy (IgAN)
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare disease that causes kidney damage when your own immune system produces antibodies in your kidneys. This then triggers harmful inflammation in your kidneys. Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury and infection. This process lowers your kidneys' ability to filter waste and fluid from your blood. There is no cure for IgA nephropathy, but treatments can slow the damage to your kidneys. Kidney damage from IgA nephropathy can be serious and lead to:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Kidney failure (also called end-stage renal disease or ESRD and end-stage kidney disease or ESKD)
- Death
It is one of the most common causes of kidney disease, behind high blood pressure and diabetes. IgA nephropathy is also known as Berger's disease.
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Our impact
We are the nation's leading kidney nonprofit. With programs of prevention, early detection, financial support, disease management, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization touches more lives than AKF.
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134 kidney transplants per month made possible with AKF's support, more than any other organization.
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30+ years of funding innovative research
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In 2023, nearly 58,000 dialysis and recent transplant patients were able to afford the cost of health care and other treatment-related expenses.
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