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

About the NKF of Central New York, Inc.

Our History

In the 1950’s, babies were dying of kidney disease and parents didn’t know why. These parents were the start of the Kidney Foundation. 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.

Syracuse Skyline

In 1985, the local affiliate began as a chapter of the National Kidney Foundation of Upstate New York to help support and inform those people in need. Our goal was to put dialysis machines into museums by getting a transplant for everyone. In the first year, our local chapter raised $30,000. By the third year, we raised over $100,000 and were the fastest growing chapter in the history of the NKF. In 1990 we were chartered as the NKF of Central New York, Inc. and became the 50th affiliate of the National Kidney Foundation. We began serving seven counties, including Tompkins, Tioga, Cortland, Cayuga, Onondaga, Jefferson and Oswego.

Now as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, our goal is prevention of kidney disease through education and screening. We now serve 13 counties and continue to fight kidney disease.

Our Board of Directors
 

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.