By Kevin Longino, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation

As Thanksgiving approaches, I, along with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) staff, would like to take this time to say thank you to our amazing volunteers and donors. As the nation’s largest and longest serving voluntary health organization committed to fighting kidney disease, we would not be able to fulfill our mission without the leadership and ongoing support of others.

At the heart of all we do are the millions of patients who live with kidney disease every day. I thank those who take action to advocate on issues of importance to the entire kidney community. There is no more devoted group of patients leading the charge to raise awareness of kidney disease and improve kidney care than our Kidney Action Committee (KAC) patient liaisons. These patients, who are dealing with their own struggles with kidney disease, take the time to ensure others do not have to go through the same struggles. From those with early stage kidney disease to dialysis patients, donors and transplant recipients, KAC members use their experience to advise government agencies, research organizations, and policy and health groups on kidney disease.

We also have an invaluable group of professional volunteers who advise the organization on many essential healthcare strategies, including the development of evidence based clinical guidelines that set the bar for delivering high quality kidney care. In addition, they are strong advocates, working to improve access to that high quality care for patients.

I am humbled by the commitment of our dedicated volunteers and I am grateful for their many contributions this past year to fight kidney disease and improve patient care. I am also thankful for our financial donors, those who give individually and our corporate supporters. Without their generosity we would not be able to serve the 26 millions of Americans who have kidney disease. Thank you to all.

Happy and healthy Thanksgiving!