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 >>

Members of the American Kidney Fund’s KIDNEYNATION community of fundraisers come from all walks of life and they’ve been touched by kidney disease in almost every way imaginable. READ MORE >>

Download and share this infographic: Learn 5 myths & facts about kidney disease READ MORE >>

About 10 months ago, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I was a typical teenager going to school, having fun with all my friends and family and living a happy enthusiastic life. READ MORE >>

Download this infographic and learn how kidney disease affects African Americans. READ MORE >>

Your kidneys do more than filter wastes and extra fluid from your blood. Learn more. READ MORE >>

Last month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a regulation that would have given insurers the right to deny coverage to dialysis patients who receive charitable help to pay their insurance premiums. READ MORE >>

I can't believe it has already been a month that I have been on dialysis. I feel as if I have gone through every stage of acceptance and have dealt with numerous obstacles physically and emotionally. READ MORE >>

Over the years, labor-saving devices have taken much of the physical work out of doing everyday tasks (e.g., cars reduced the need to travel on foot). READ MORE >>