American Kidney Fund Hosts 17th Annual Gala, The Hope Affair, to Honor Kidney Heroes and Changemakers

ROCKVILLE, Md. (Oct. 7, 2025) — Today, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) will hold its 17th annual gala, The Hope Affair®, at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The event will bring together kidney patients, advocates, caregivers, health professionals and innovators to honor AKF's 2025 Hero of Hope, Tamara Y. Walker, and inaugural Changemaker Award recipients, Matt Glazier, Julia Pepe Glazier and David Atkins. 

The Hero of Hope award is one of the most prestigious awards given to a kidney patient in the United States, honoring someone who has gone above and beyond to raise awareness, educate others and advocate on behalf of the kidney community.  

This year's Hero of Hope, Tamara Y. Walker, was diagnosed 25 years ago with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). After two years of dialysis, a diagnosis of kidney cancer, removal of both kidneys and receiving a transplant in 2014, Walker decided to devote herself to raising awareness of ADPKD, kidney disease and transplantation. She became an AKF Ambassador and a Kidney Health Coach®, where she connects with members of her community to share her story, mentor, coach and educate them about kidney disease. She also facilitates online educational sessions for New Beginning Kidney Foundation, a nonprofit in Georgia.

AKF's Changemaker Award, given for the first time this year, honors individuals who are making an impact by raising awareness and funds to support kidney patients nationwide. This year's inaugural awardees are Matt Glazier, Julia Pepe Glazier and David Atkins. 

In 2021, Matt Glazier was diagnosed with a rare genetic kidney disease that caused sudden kidney failure. After months of searching for a living kidney donor, his wife Julia shared their story on social media, receiving an overwhelming response. Following extensive testing, Matt's close friend David Atkins donated his kidney. The Glaziers, recognizing many potential donors face financial barriers that prevent them from becoming a living donor, partnered with AKF two years later to launch the Living Donor Assistance Program™. The program, which aims to increase access to living kidney donations by reimbursing out-of-pocket costs for living kidney donors, has awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to living kidney donors to date. The Glaziers along with their friend David Atkins have remained steadfast advocates for kidney patients and living donors. 

"The Hope Affair gives members of the kidney community a chance to come together to reflect on how far we've come in the fight against kidney disease," said AKF President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton. "We are looking forward to celebrating Tamara, Matt, Julia and David, who have each taken extraordinary actions to bring hope to people with kidney disease." 

This year's Hope Affair will be emceed by Maureen Umeh, anchor and reporter at Fox 5 DC. Proceeds raised through The Hope Affair will support AKF's prevention, early detection, financial support, disease management, clinical research, innovation and advocacy programs. 

Individuals who wish to contribute to the event may do so on AKF's website. 

The Hope Affair 2025 is made possible thanks to Gold Sponsors Akebia and Travere Therapeutics, Silver Sponsor Spherix Global Insights, and many other corporate and individual sponsors. A full sponsor listing can be found at TheHopeAffair.org.