American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Provide Aid to Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients in Hawaii Affected by Hurricane Lowell

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Sept. 15, 2026)  — The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has activated its Disaster Relief Program to assist dialysis and post-transplant patients living in Hawaii who have been affected by Hurricane Lowell. AKF's Disaster Relief Program is the only rapid-response system in the country that provides emergency financial aid to dialysis and recent transplant patients. 

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, tropical-storm-force winds reached parts of Hawaii at speeds of more than 50 mph. The storm caused downed trees, utility poles and power lines across Kauai, Oahu and Maui. All three islands faced widespread power outage, with approximately 90% of Kauai households losing power. While most of Kauai's power had been restored by Friday, Sept. 11, Gov. Josh Green cautioned residents to be prepared for extended outages, as crews are still working to restore power to more remote areas or areas that have been blocked by storm debris or downed trees.

"Hawaii has faced numerous natural disasters this past year, including a 6.0 magnitude earthquake and Hurricane Lala, and now is recovering from this disaster," said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. "For people living with kidney failure, disruptions to electrical power service, clean water access and transportation to dialysis facilities can create serious health risks and can prove fatal. Through our disaster relief grants, we aim to help alleviate these challenges while the islands continue their recovery process."

Emergency grants of $250 from AKF are available for dialysis and post-transplant patients living in Kauai, Honolulu and Maui counties. Disaster relief grants help patients replace lost medicines and kidney-friendly foods (which may be spoiled due to power outages), pay for temporary housing and transportation to treatment, and replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the hurricane or the need to evacuate with little to no notice. 

People with kidney failure are more likely to experience hardships during a natural disaster, as interruptions to dialysis treatments can put them at risk for being hospitalized. AKF has developed a resource page for patients impacted by Hurricane Lowell, which can be accessed here. 

To donate in support of AKF's disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Lowell, visit AKF's website. AKF covers the administrative costs of this program so that 100% of donations may go directly to patients in need.

AKF has been providing emergency disaster financial assistance to kidney patients throughout all the major disasters that have struck the United States and its territories for the past three decades. Dialysis and recent kidney transplant patients who need emergency financial aid should contact a social worker at their dialysis or transplant clinic for information on applying for aid or apply directly at gms.KidneyFund.org.