Created by TESSA Films in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation, the campaign features real living kidney donors; public voting closes October 29
(NEW YORK, NY — October 23, 2026) — The “LIVING DONOR!” public service announcement campaign, created and donated by TESSA Films in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), has been named a finalist in the Health category of the sixth annual Anthem Awards.
Featuring real living kidney donors, the campaign uses humor and personal storytelling to encourage people to learn about living kidney donation and start conversations about its life-changing possibilities. NKF helped recruit donors to participate in the campaign, which was created for National Donate Life Month and is featured on NKF’s website and social media channels.
“Living kidney donation starts with someone being willing to learn more, ask a question or have a conversation,” said Marc Hurlbert, PhD., and CEO of the National Kidney Foundation. “TESSA Films and the donors who shared their stories have given us a memorable way to open that door. We’re grateful they donated their time, talent and personal experiences to help more people see the possibilities of living donation.”
The campaign also reflects a personal connection to its subject. Filmmaker Melissa Silverman, a kidney patient herself, volunteered her skills to help others understand living donation through an approach that makes a serious subject more accessible.
The Anthem Awards recognize brands, nonprofits and individuals whose work drives positive social impact. As a finalist, “LIVING DONOR!” is eligible for Anthem Community Voice recognition through public voting, alongside consideration for Gold, Silver or Bronze awards selected by Anthem judges.
Supporters can vote for “LIVING DONOR!” through October 29 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Winners will be announced November 5.
To watch the campaign and explore information about becoming a living kidney donor, visit kidney.org/transplantation/how-to-donate#campaign.
About Kidney Disease
In the United States, CKD remains an under-recognized public health burden that impacts 1 in 7 adults, and 90 percent of those affected are unaware of their condition. Approximately 1 in 3 U.S. adults are at risk for CKD, but less than 20% are assessed with guideline-recommended testing, eGFR and uACR. Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. Black or African American people are about four times as likely as White people to develop kidney failure. Hispanic and Native American people experience kidney failure at approximately double the rate of White people.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org.
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