Meet NKF’s New Chief Kidney Officer: Kenny The Kidney

We sat down with Kenny The Kidney to learn more about his journey, his connection to the kidney community, and what he hopes to bring to his new role.

My name is Kenny The Kidney (and yes, my legal middle name is “The”.) I’m NKF’s new Chief Kidney Officer, Proud Kidney Health Champion, and someone who takes the kidneys very seriously… while also loving a good silly group photo.

Fun fact: My birthday is July 18th. It’s the 200th day of the year, and kidneys filter about 200 quarts of blood every single day. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I grew up going to NKF Kidney Walks and events, watching my older cousin, Sidney (whom I call Sid), advocate for the kidney community. Sid has been a mentor to me my whole life. With his blessing—and now that he’s retiring—I’m honored (and a little emotional, don’t tell anyone) to step up in a bigger way.

A future where everyone has equal access to healthcare, where kidney disease doesn’t catch people by surprise, and where everyone who needs a kidney transplant has access to one. 

Supportive. Passionate. Shockingly smart about kidney health.

In high school, I was voted “Most Likely to Regulate Blood Pressure.”

Also, I swear the Chicago Bean is based on me. Come on, the resemblance is uncanny!

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is one of the most important things a kidney can do. But my favorite fuel of choice is my go-to Starbucks order. Some people say it's too complicated and the reason why three baristas quit on the spot, but what can I say–I like what I like.

I’d want the power to instantly help people understand how amazing their kidneys are—and how to protect them. Also, flight would be pretty sick. Can you imagine looking up and seeing a flying kidney? Eat your heart out, Superman.

Kidney disease doesn’t always come with loud symptoms. A lot of people feel “fine” until they’re not. That’s why I tell everyone to take our quick kidney quiz to learn if they’re at risk. 

It’s also important to “Heart Your Kidneys” because kidney health and heart health are deeply connected. Simple steps like knowing your numbers, asking for routine kidney tests, and managing blood pressure and diabetes can make a real difference. Taking care of your kidneys today can help protect your heart and your future.

Kidney disease can affect anyone at any age. Millions are living with it right now.

Because small steps add up. Asking questions, taking a screening, learning your risk, or sharing information with someone you love can lead to earlier care and sometimes even save a life.

Start where you are. You don’t have to do everything — you just have to do something. Whether that means learning more about your kidney health, sharing information with a loved one, joining a Kidney Walk, or supporting NKF in a way that fits your life, there are plenty of ways to get involved that feel doable.

There should be a kidney emoji. It's 2026. How is there not one already? There are over 10 different hearts, so why can't the kidney get some love??

And healthy hydration… but also the emoji thing. 

It’s hard to choose just one. Kidney health education belongs everywhere because everyone deserves access to quality care and information. I’m always happy to show up wherever people are ready to learn, connect, and support one another.

A world where kidney disease is caught earlier, treated better, more equitably, and talked about openly. I also hope for a world where living donation is understood, supported, and celebrated as a life-changing act.

Follow along on social media, become a Voices for Kidney Health advocate, ask questions, and be the step that changes everything. I’ll be there!