NKF Serving Southern California and Nevada

NKF of the West

Upcoming in-person and virtual programs and events across CA, NV, OR, and WA
July 31, 2025 12:00pm PT Virtual Event | General Public
 
August 11, August 18, and August 25, 2025  3:30pm-5:00pm PT Virtual Series | General Public
 
August 13, 2025  6:00pm -8:00pm PT In-Person Event | Bering Boardroom, Gaylord Pacific Convention Center | Medical Professionals
 
Sept 28, 2025 9:00am PT In-Person Event | Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA | General Public

Professional Programs

Designed for professionals committed to continuing their education and improving patient outcomes, the Professional Education Resource Center (PERC) offers activities courses, events and other engaging content on an array of carefully selected topics given by renowned faculty.

Renal Roundtable: Kidney Care in C3G and IgAN

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

This National Kidney Foundation Renal Roundtable dinner program is centered on “Kidney Care in C3G and IgAN,” and designed for physicians and advanced practice clinicians. In this complimentary in-person session, Dr. Luis Alvarez from Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Dr. Ramy M. Hanna from UC Irvine will share their expertise in this area. Come with questions and ready to join in a lively discussion of this important topic.  Register to join us on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 6pm-8pm, at Gaylord Pacific Convention Center in the Bering Boardroom. Thank you to sponsors Apellis and Calliditas Therapeutics.

Complimentary in-person session; registration required.
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 6pm-8pm
Location: Gaylord Pacific Convention Center, 1000 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Meeting Space: Bering Boardroom 

NKF SoCal Ending Disparities in CKD Leadership Summit 2025

Learn More

In 2024, NKF convened healthcare professionals and community members in southern California to discuss barriers, solutions, and equitable implementation strategies to improve early testing and diagnosis. During this period, that included 59 stakeholders in the Bay Area and generated 13 recommendations. In 2025 NKF aims to convene stakeholders in Southern California to build on momentum generated from the Bay Area Summit, determine how to advance statewide strategies (policy change, coalitions, etc.), and create tailored strategies to serve the unique needs of local communities in Southern California. The Southern California Summit virtual convening took place on June 24th 2025. Access the Summit recording here

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major public health issue that is underrecognized and underdiagnosed. While all individuals living with diabetes and or hypertension are at an increased risk for developing CKD, underserved communities are disproportionately impacted. The Ending Disparities in CKD Leadership Summit convenes stakeholders to identify strategies and solutions across sectors to equitably increase early diagnosis and management of CKD. The initiative models the collective impact approach and will create the opportunity to build collaborative partnerships to help advance the recommended strategies for change in southern California. 

For more information about the initiative or to get involved in the recommendations, please contact: Mallory Caron at mallory.caron@kidney.org and/or Nina Sherpa-Pine at nina.sherpapine@kidney.org.

Upcoming Events

We regularly host webinars for patients and caregivers as well as signature events like the Kidney Walk and Authors Luncheon. Give back to the local kidney community by attending, supporting, and fundraising with us. 

2025 Southern California Kidney Walk

Sunday, September 28, 2025

The 2025 Southern California Kidney Walk is a community event bringing together patients, caregivers, professionals, and volunteers, and is a wonderful opportunity to fundraise alongside friends, family, and peers. Join us on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at our NEW LOCATION in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA. The Kidney Walk starts at 9 am PT. Gather your team and register online now!

DATE: Sunday, September 28, 2025
TIME: 9am PT
LOCATION
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027

To sign up as a sponsor, please complete this form: 2025 Southern California Kidney Walk Sponsorship

For more information about sponsorship, contact Joe Grubbs at joe.grubbs@kidney.org

If you'd like to volunteer, please complete this form: Southern California Kidney Walk Volunteers

Kidney Community Programs

To keep the kidney community up to date with crucial information, we've provided resources about dialysis, transplant, palliative care, and other ways to connect and support.

A Conversation with Living Donors

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Did you know that several incredible National Kidney Foundation team members are living kidney donors? 🌟Join us on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 1pm PT / 3pm CT for an uplifting conversation with four of them. Hear why they chose to donate, how their loved ones reacted, what recovery was like, and more. You'll leave moved and motivated by their powerful stories of generosity and hope.💖

Living Donor Speaker Panel

  • Michael Crowley, CEO, NKF Wisconsin
  • Dan Emerson, Director, Digital Marketing, National Kidney Foundation
  • Amy Hewitt, Executive Director, National Kidney Foundation serving CA, NV, OR, & WA
  • Colleen Hjort-Fredericksen, Living Donor Support Manager, National Kidney Foundation

Chronic Kidney Disease: Nutrition Matters

Mondays, August 11, August 18, and August 25, 2025

Join us on Monday afternoons in August for this educational webinar series centered on nutrition and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presented by Community Health Resource Center in partnership with National Kidney Foundation and led by registered dietitian, Elena Zidaru, MA, RD. Register for the free virtual series to learn more about CKD, nutrition recommendations, and meal-planning strategies. Review the series agenda below and register online for this free program designed for the kidney community. 

  • August 11 @ 3:30 – 5:00 PM (PT): Kidney Health & CKD Overview Introduction and overview of kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD), including stages 1–5. Discussion of causes, risk factors, and strategies for preventing kidney damage. Overview of symptoms, lab values, and possible complications as CKD progresses.
  • August 18 @ 3:30 – 5:00 PM (PT): Nutrition Recommendations for CKD Guidance on preserving kidney function and slowing CKD progression through nutrition. Review of key dietary recommendations, nutrients of concern, and the role of nutrition counseling. Begin applying concepts to daily life with an introduction to practical meal planning and food choices.
  • August 25 @ 3:30 – 5:00 PM (PT): Putting It All Together: Long-Term Strategies for CKD Management Continuation of applying nutrition guidance with a focus on realistic meal planning strategies and tips for behavior change. CPMC Director of Advanced Organ Therapies Metabolic Health Program, Dr. Nisha Patel, will discuss GLP-1 receptor agonists and their connection to CKD management. Emphasis on nutrition considerations while taking these medications and how they may impact individuals with co-occurring conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease.

Kidney Community Resources

To keep the kidney community up to date with crucial information, we've provided resources about dialysis, transplant, palliative care, and other ways to connect and support.

NKF CARES image

NKF CARES

Our Patient Information Help Line, NKF Cares, offers support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation or transplantation. It's designed just for patients, family members and care partners. Speak with a trained specialist who will answer your questions and listen to your concerns.

En Español

NKF PEERS image

NKF Peers

NKF PEERS is a program where kidney patients, living donors, or care partners can connect over the phone with a trained mentor. Mentors are people who have been there themselves and can help others by sharing their experiences.

En Español

Kidney Cars image

Kidney Cars

Donate your vehicle! Call 800.488.CARS (800.488.2277), schedule your pickup, and receive a tax receipt for your donation. We make donating easy. Complete the online form to start your donation. Kidney Cars turns your ride into a vehicle for change.

NKF Volunteers image from 2024 Southern California Kidney Walk

Volunteer

NKF Volunteers are essential to local events! They help educate fellow kidney patients, support programs, and advocate for improvements that directly impact our community. 

Local Support Groups

Saddleback Kidney Disease Support Group (Zoom meetings)

Based in Orange County, the Saddleback Kidney Disease Support Group meets virtually on the second Saturday of the month and the fourth Monday of the month. 

On scheduled meetings days, follow this link to join the meeting: Saddleback Support Group Zoom
Zoom meeting ID: 949 412 3210

For more information, please contact Helen Mills, Support Group Leader, at helpforkidneypatients@gmail.com or 949.412.3210

Valley Renal Support Group (Zoom meetings)

Based in Tulare County, the Valley Renal Support Group meets virtually and in-person the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00-8:00pm PT. All are welcome. 
In-person begins at 6:30pm PT. 
In-person location: Evolution's Gym, 1425 Prosperity Ave, Tulare, CA. 

Virtual meeting begins at 7:00pm PT.
Zoom meeting ID: 366 499 4238
Join by phone: 669-444-9171

 For more information, please contact support group co-leads, Maria Grijalva, 559-688-6804, and Jennifer McClung (email). 

Sponsor NKF Programs & Events

Partner with the National Kidney Foundation serving Southern California and Nevada. Sponsorship opportunities include signature events like the Kidney Walk and Authors Luncheon, patient & community education programs, medical professional education programs, health equity initiatives, and workplace engagement & wellness programs. Learn more about available partnerships: 

2025 NKF West Coast Sponsorship Opportunities

Local Office

220 Montgomery Street
Suite 1041
San Francisco, CA 94104
United States

Email: nkfsca@kidney.org
Phone: 818.783.8153
Toll Free: 800.747.5527

Upcoming Events