Through its more than 50 local offices nationwide,the NKF provides vital patient and community services, conducts extensive public and professional education, advocates for patients through legislative action, and supports kidney research to identify new treatments.
Kidney disease is a major health problem in the United States and around the world. Over 340,000 Americans rely on a dialysis machine to keep them alive, and nearly 75,000 are on the waiting list for a lifesaving kidney transplant. Recent studies indicate that kidney disease is on the rise and as many as 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are actually failing, many people with kidney damage remain unaware and do not take steps to protect the health of their kidneys.
THE FACTS:
26 million Americans have CKD and millions more are at increased risk.
Kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and a family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Asian or Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and seniors are at increased risk.
Once kidneys fail, patients need dialysis or a transplant to survive.
Early detection can slow the progression of kidney disease.
The NKF relies on individual and corporate donations, business partnerships, foundation and government
grants, and revenue from special events. More than 81cents of each dollar donated to NKF goes directly to
support its programs and services.
How you Can Help
Get Tested—If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, you are at risk. Get tested.
Volunteer—The foundation welcomes volunteers of all ages and interests. Contact your local NKF office today. Click here to locate your local office.
Support NKF—You can help by participating in a Kidney Walk - you can start your own team or join as an individual walker. You can even be a "virtual' walker! or NKF golf tournament in your community, donating a car or golf clubs, making a direct donation or memorial gift, or including the NKF as part of your planned giving.
Make a mobile donation - Text KIDNEY to 50555 and a $5.00 donation will be added to your mobile phone bill. Click here for more details.
Be a Donor - Many people who need transplants of organs and tissues cannot get them because of a shortage of donations. Every month, more than 2,000 new names are added to the national waiting list for organ transplants, and about 18 people die every day while waiting for an organ transplant in the U.S. Organ and tissue donation helps others by giving them a second chance at life. It's so simple, find out more here.
Check out NCF on Facebook.
Source: www.kidney.org
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