Last year on World Kidney Day, when I was 25 years old, I donated my left kidney to my mother. In my experience, donating a kidney to my mother was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The reality is you only need one kidney to survive. And for most kidney patients, a kidney transplant is a chance for a better life. READ MORE >>

Earlier this month, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) hosted 10 advocates from our Advocacy Network in Washington to meet with legislators and raise awareness for kidney disease prevention, education and research. We sat down with one patient-advocate, Monica Jemison from Waukegan, Ill., to hear about her experience on Capitol Hill. READ MORE >>

The only way to know if your kidneys are functioning properly is to get tested. With early detection, chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be managed and its progression can often be slowed. That’s why taking advantage of AKF’s free health and kidney screenings is so important for your health. READ MORE >>

National Kidney Month is a great time to make an appointment for a kidney check-up. Be proactive in knowing about your kidneys and ways to protect them. Make sure that you ask your doctor if your kidney function has been checked in the past year, and if not, ask if you can get simple blood or urine tests to check how well your kidneys are functioning. READ MORE >>

The nation’s patient advocacy organizations alerted the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and members of Congress to the negative impact its proposed policy change would have on transplant patients’ health. CMS listened. READ MORE >>

Proposed changes to Medicare Part D could limit kidney transplant patients’ access to some anti-rejection medicines. We’re urging CMS to maintain coverage for these medications. READ MORE >>

February is Black History Month. Did you know African-Americans are more at risk for kidney failure than any other race? Nearly 1 in 3 kidney failure patients living in the United States is African-American. Learn more from our infographic. READ MORE >>

The month of February is a time to celebrate with the ones you love – but it can also be about educating them on health conditions they need to be aware of to ensure they are here to celebrate Valentine’s Day for years to come. I was very lucky to find my perfect match in a husband and kidney donor. I’m even luckier that we have made a commitment to lead a healthy life together and share our knowledge with others. READ MORE >>