Because the kidneys help regulate the production of red blood cells, anemia is a common side effect of kidney disease. In fact, anemia can be an early warning sign of CKD, and it often gets worse as CKD gets worse. READ MORE >>

When I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 2002, my husband Doug and I knew that over time my kidneys would get worse. We also knew that, eventually, my kidneys would fail and I would need dialysis or a transplant to stay alive. READ MORE >>

My life changed when I watched a “60 Minutes” segment on living kidney donation in 2007. I had two healthy kidneys, but really only needed one. I decided then that I wanted to donate my kidney to save someone’s life. READ MORE >>

My mother was a woman of humble and kind heart. She was a true warrior who never gave up, enduring many hardships through kidney disease and dialysis. READ MORE >>

Each year at our national gala, The Hope Affair, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) honors a “Hero of Hope” – someone living with kidney failure whose life is a testament to hope in the face of kidney disease. Here is a look back at a few of the inspirational people who have been honored by AKF as Heroes of Hope. READ MORE >>

Five days after I was born a healthy baby in Canada, I got an E. coli infection that landed me in intensive care for 22 days. My parents remained outside the ICU, praying that I would make it out alive. Fortunately, I did but was diagnosed with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) at only 27 days old. READ MORE >>

I am just am an average guy. I like to laugh, eat good food, spend time with friends, family and anyone who is just good company. I went to public school and did well academically. READ MORE >>

My Dad and I never had much of a relationship when I was growing up. We were the dysfunctional version of the Irish father-son dynamic and by the time I graduated from university, Dublin wasn’t a big enough town and Ireland wasn’t a big enough country for the two of us. At 22, I left—flying to the USA in search of freedom. READ MORE >>