Who We Are

The National Kidney Foundation, Inc., a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Our Goals

NKF Serving Upstate New York supports kidney disease and transplant patients through research, patient support groups, public and professional educational programs, and a transportation reimbursement fund for low-income patients. More than 10,000 area residents are on dialysis and thousands wait for kidney transplants.

NKF Serving Upstate New Yorkhas a broad area of responsibility to serve individuals in the counties of Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates.

Our History

In the mid 1970's, the number of people facing kidney problems was increasing. At this time, the growing number of patients compiled with the enormous expense of dialysis had reached the United States Congress. Faced with this critical issue, congress authorized medicare coverage of dialysis treatment. Since so many people were now able to fight this deadly affliction, something was needed to aid and direct those who were still suffering. In 1981, the Upstate Kidney Association was created to help support and inform those people in need.

Mission Statement

The National Kidney Foundation of Upstate New York's mission is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and to increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Our Board of Directors

John Costello, Esq., President
Mary Petromallo , Vice President
Alberta Lee, R.N., B.S.N Secretary
Thomas Chiavetta C.P.A, Treasurer
Kevin N. Hill, Past-President
Craig Carey
Marvin Grieff, M.D.
Linda Hicks, L.M.S.W.
Vijay Jain, M.D.
Robert Legge
Kiki France Perry
Jeff Roth
Mike Rusinko
Sharon Stall, R.D.
Josephine Whang

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Our Founder

On November 15, 1950, Mr. and Mrs. Harry DeBold called the first meeting of the Committee for Nephrosis Research. Several months earlier, Mrs. DeBold’s infant son was stricken with nephrosis, a condition of which little was known and for which little could be done. Her determination not to succumb to the grim reality of her son’s disease and her affluence and wealth were important elements which led to the formation of the inaugural lay group destined to becomeThe National Kidney Foundation. The Ada DeBold Society was created to help ensure the philanthropic future of the NKF in honor of Mrs. Ada U. DeBold.

By sharing their financial resources and publicly expressing their support, members of The Ada DeBold Society address NKF’s mission to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. This framework of support helps the NKF plan for the present and look to the future. More information about The Ada DeBold Society.