What better way to kick off National Kidney Month than by bringing together kidney patients, transplant recipients and living kidney donors? The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is hosting our annual patient summit March 2-3 in Washington, D.C. This powerful event allows individuals affected by kidney disease to speak directly to legislators and urge them to make kidney care a congressional priority. Attendees have the opportunity to meet with Members of Congress and their staff to share personal stories and advocate for policies that will raise awareness of kidney disease, increase research funding, improve treatment for kidney patients, and protect living organ donors.

Approximately 100 kidney patients, donors, and family members representing NKF, Alport Syndrome Foundation, American Association of Kidney Patients, IGA Nephropathy Foundation of America, NephCure Kidney International and PKD Foundation will learn about the importance of advocacy and the efforts that lawmakers and government agencies have expended so far to improve kidney care. Featured speakers include Dr. Griffin Rodgers, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, who will talk about NIH’s research efforts.

As NKF continues to work to advance policies to better the lives of kidney patients, the summit is an example of our commitment to work directly with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals to address the issues and challenges they face. Even if you are not attending the summit, you can still make your voice heard and show your support by signing your name to our pledge.  There’s power in numbers—and we want to show up with 25,000 signatures!

Stay up-to-date on all kidney patient summit activities! We will be posting news and photos from the event so please check back often.