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 Us

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the leading health organization dedicated to the issues of all renal diseases related to the kidney and urinary tract. Through its 51 affiliates nationwide, the foundation conducts programs in research, professional education, patient and community services, public education and organ donation.

The West Texas Affiliate (NKFWT) was founded in 1990 by a group of concerned physicians, businessmen, patients and family members and we received our national charter in 1993. Our foundation has started to grow and has been more visible over the last 10 years. Our growth has prompted us to expand our services for those who suffer from kidney disease.

Our Board of Directors

The volunteer Board of Directors of NKF Serving West Texas is responsible for management and oversight of the business and affairs of the organization in accordance with the Bylaws. This includes management of the foundation assets (funds, intellectual property, trademarks, and support equipment) and allocation of foundation resources to projects.

Medical Advisory Committee 2009-2010

Meryem Tuncel-Kara, M.D., Chairman
Jorge Brothers, M.D.
Barbara Cherrry, RN., MSN, MBA
Elizabeth Cobb, M.D.
Hector Diaz-Luna, M.D.
G. Baird Helfrich, M.D
Lawrence Holbrooks, MSSW
Bernhard Mittemeyer, M.D.
Sharma Prabhakar, M.D.
Miguel Rios, M.D.
Todd Rose, M.D.
Joel Starnes, M.D., PhD
David Van Buren, M.D.
Larry Warmoth, M.D.

Join Our Mailing List

Get the latest information and updates on future events and programs from NKF Serving West Texas. If you are interested in joining our mailing and email lists, please email us.

To view our latest newsletter click here.

Organ Donation

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. About 20 people die every day while waiting for a transplant of a vital organ such as a kidney, heart or liver.


To receive a donor card contact the National Kidney Foundation Serving West Texas at 806 799 7753

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.