NKF Serving Upstate and Western New York

The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovations for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. 

Three Kidney Walk participants cheering at a Walk event, surrounded by colorful graphics including a heart with a kidney bean

2023 Upstate and WNY Kidney Walk

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Ontario Beach Park, Rochester, NY

 

No matter where you live or why you walk, we are all in this together!  Each step you take as part of our movement will inspire hope and health for our Kidney Community. 

 

Will you walk with us?  

 

For information on Corporate Sponsorship, Registration, or Volunteer Opportunities, please contact Ellen Scalzo, Executive Director, at 585.598.3963 x371 or ellen.scalzo@kidney.org.

NKF serving Upstate and Western NY, Consilio, and ROKNE

Consilio Inaugural Pickleball FUNdraiser Success!

THANK YOU to everyone who came out for the Consilio 1st Annual Pickleball Tournament FUNdraiser, benefitting the National Kidney Foundation serving Upstate and Western New York.  Thank you, Consilio, for being our champion and hosting this fantastic FUNdraiser within the legal community! 

 

Following an introductory Beginner’s Clinic, run by ROKNE co-founder and Harris Beach PLLC Member Lana Ivy, and Pickleball Pro tournament player David McGinnis, teams were ready to “dink it out” for a chance to enter the Pickledome to take home the Consilio Cup! Congratulations to our winners, Margaret Jones and Alex Zapesochny!  

 

A special shout-out to ROKNE for your enthusiasm and expertise in running a wildly successful clinic and tournament—even donating ROKNE paddles for players to use!  Thank you, Dinkers Pickleball Facility, for your exceptional hospitality and use of your state-of-the-art facility!  All players are true “Picklers” now! 

 

We can't wait for next year’s Pickleball fundraising event!

ellen scalzo-keving longino- kyle link

Thank You!

Our March 16, 2023 Honors Awards Benefit, attended by nearly 300 people, raised over $122,000 to support NKF's mission and local programming! Thank you for your kindness and support as we move our mission forward to help those affected by chronic kidney disease in our region.

 

The evening honored members of the local community who have been outstanding in the promotion of kidney health and the fight against kidney disease. 

 

We look forward to next year's celebration on Thursday, March 14, 2024 - World Kidney Day! 

Professional Education + Resources

Professional Education

NKF’s Professional Education Resource Center (PERC) offers activities courses, events and other engaging content on an array of carefully selected topics given by renowned faculty.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

19th Annual Meeting of the Upstate & Western New York Council on Renal Nutrition (CRN):

  • Date:  October 19, 2023
  • Time:  7:45am - 5:00pm
  • Location: Batavia Downs
  • Get program information and register below!

Renal Roundtable Series

A Renal Roundtable is a professional education program featuring a presentation by distinguished individual(s) in the medical field and an opportunity for questions and networking.

 

Renal Roundtables are free, non-accredited programs, intended for healthcare professionals.

 

Have questions or interest in sponsoring a Renal Roundtable? Please contact Kristen Ryan, Community Outreach Director, at kristen.ryan@kidney.org.

 

2023 Renal Roundtables to be announced soon!

Professional Membership

Become a member of NKF Professionals for benefits, including:

  • Access to a variety of continuing education resources
  • Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines*
  • Scientific research grants and fellowships
  • Educational stipends*
  • Access to clinical tools and resources

 

*Available for some occupations

Community Resources + Support Networks

Have questions? We can help!

NKF Cares

NKF Cares is our free Patient Information Center, offering support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation, or transplantation. NKF Cares is designed for patients, family members, and care partners.

 

Speak with a trained specialist who will answer your questions and listen to your concerns.

 

Call toll-free: 855.653.2273

Do you need support? You aren't alone!

NKF Peers

NKF Peers is a free peer mentoring program, where kidney patients or individuals interested in being a living donor are connected via phone with trained mentors who have been there themselves. Peer mentors can share their experiences with dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation with you.

 

Get matched with an NKF Peer, or learn more about becoming an NKF Peer yourself! 

Make Connections in Communities!

NKF Online Communities

NKF Communities offer a safe and supportive place where patients and caregivers can share experiences, ask questions, and get answers.

Participation is free.

 

  • NKF Dialysis Community
  • NKF Kidney Disease Community
  • NKF Kidney Donor Community
  • NKF Parents of Children with Kidney Disease
  • NKF Transplant Community

Get Involved

three cyclists taking a break while wearing Team Kidney uniforms

Team Kidney is a nationwide community rallying support to fight kidney disease by empowering members to create their own unique fundraising events. With each mile logged, transplant anniversary celebrated, or cookie baked, Team Kidney raises funds and hope for the 30 million Americans currently battling kidney disease. With Team Kidney, fundraising is whatever you want it to be!


Check out a past Team Kidney Fundraiser.

A group of Upstate NY NKF volunteers

Volunteer!

When you volunteer, you are supporting the National Kidney Foundation’s programs, while giving back to our local Kidney Community!

 

Contact Kristen Ryan, Community Outreach Director, at 585.598.3963 x373 or kristen.ryan@kidney.org for more information.

 

Car getting towed

Kidney Cars Vehicle Donation Program

Turn your vehicle into cash for the National Kidney Foundation Serving Upstate and Western New York! Vehicles donated to National Kidney Foundation have the potential to bring hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars in support of advocating for all kidney patients through education, research, and innovation. Donating is simple, the pick-up is free, and your gift is tax-deductible. Donate your vehicle to the NKF Serving Upstate and Western New York today! Donate online or call 800.488.CARS (2277).

hero circle

Join Our Hero Circle

Hero Circle is a national network that shares a common belief in the life-saving mission of the National Kidney Foundation. It seeks to raise awareness about the work of NKF and engage individuals through philanthropy, events, and our programmatic initiatives. Your donation of $1,000 or more makes a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by kidney disease.

 

For more information, please contact Ellen Scalzo, Executive Director, at 585.598.3963 x371 or ellen.scalzo@kidney.org

Go Casual for Kidneys!

You and your workplace are invited to go Casual for Kidneys by holding a dress-down day to benefit the NKF Serving Upstate and Western NY. This dress-down day raises awareness of kidney disease and supports your local Kidney Community. Bring your colleagues together for a cause that will make a difference in your community!

 

Contact Kristen Ryan, Community Outreach Director, at 585.598.3963 x373 or kristen.ryan@kidney.org.

Local Office

1344 University Avenue
Suite 270
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585.598.3963
Fax: 585.319.3997