Millions of people have been affected . . . and among them are thousands of dialysis patients for whom a natural disaster like this is quite literally a matter of life and death. Learn how you can help. READ MORE >>

For dialysis patients, a natural disaster like that unfolding along the Gulf Coast is truly a matter of life and death. More than 12,000 dialysis patients—more than a quarter of all dialysis patients in Texas—live in the region affected by Hurricane Harvey, and as the storm moves into Louisiana, even more patients will be affected. READ MORE >>

Read the inspiring story of Sarah Miknis, a Washington, D.C. based photographer who stepped up to the plate to become a living kidney donor. READ MORE >>

Protein is a building block that is necessary for life! Food has three macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fat. These macronutrients are the building blocks that make up our food and they provide us with energy, called calories. Protein can come from animal sources like meat, poultry, eggs and dairy, or from plant sources like beans, grains and nuts. READ MORE >>

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 >>