[Washington DC] — [March 25, 2026] — The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) proudly recognized NFL standout Khalen Saunders as a recipient of the prestigious Kidney Champion Award during the NKF Patient Summit, an annual gathering that brings together patients, caregivers, and advocates from across the country.
The “Kidney Champion Award” honors extraordinary individuals whose unwavering dedication advances the National Kidney Foundation’s mission to revolutionize the fight against kidney disease. By championing the fight against kidney disease, these honorees serve as a vital bridge between medical progress and the community’s most vulnerable populations.
This recognition celebrates leaders who embody core values such as advocacy, compassion, and innovation in their daily efforts. Recipients are chosen for their profound impact on public awareness, patient care, and the relentless pursuit of more accessible treatment options.
To be the first-ever recipient of the Kidney Champion Award is truly humbling,” said Khalen Saunders. “Kidney disease isn’t something I learned about from a statistic. It’s something I learned about sitting in hospital rooms. My mother battled kidney disease and ultimately received a kidney transplant. And when it hits your home like that, everything changes. You realize how much you didn’t know. You realize how unprepared you are. And you realize how many families are walking through the same thing often silently.
Super Bowl champion Saunders was recognized for his off-field leadership in the fight against kidney disease, specifically his work promoting organ donation and aiding affected families His advocacy has helped shine a national spotlight on a condition affecting more than 37 million Americans.
“Khalen Saunders represents the power of using your platform for the greater good,” said Dr. Kirk Campbell, President of the National Kidney Foundation. “His passion for improving outcomes while elevating patient and caregiver experiences are at the very heart of the National Kidney Foundation’s mission.
Khalen has turned his professional platform into a megaphone for health, wellness, and inclusion. Whether he is hosting youth camps that invite everyone into the huddle or using his voice to promote organ donation and early detection, he is proving that his remarkable impact happens both on and far beyond the turf.
We need more awareness in our churches, more screening events in our neighborhoods, more culturally competent health education, more conversations at kitchen tables and more athletes, entertainers, and leaders are willing to speak up, because representation matters in health, too,” said Saunders.
“My mom’s journey showed me how critical organizations like the National Kidney Foundation are in providing education, resources, advocacy, and hope. Being at the Patient Summit and hearing directly from those affected by kidney disease is incredibly powerful. “It motivates me to continue raising awareness and encouraging others to take action,” said Saunders.
The NKF Patient Summit serves as a cornerstone event for the National Kidney Foundation, offering education, connection, and empowerment for individuals living with kidney disease, transplant recipients, and living donors. Presenting the Kidney Champion Award at this event underscores the importance of advocacy and community in improving patient outcomes.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-focused organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the United States.
Media Contact:
Jade Rivera-McFarlin
Director of Marketing & Communications
413-537-1155
###