NKF Serving Upstate and Western New York

2026 Upstate and Western NY Kidney Walk!

Be the step that changes everything ...

The Kidney Walk is a signature fundraising event for the National Kidney Foundation. Held in nearly 70 communities, the event unites and empowers all people affected by kidney disease and amplifies awareness of this devastating chronic illness. 

The 2026 Upstate and Western NY will take place at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, NY on Sunday, September 27. Join more than 500 walkers to honor our kidney community. We're grateful to each walker, donor, sponsor, volunteer, and guest who make this Walk a success. 

Want to learn more about the Walk, fundraising, or volunteering? 
Contact Kristen Ryan | 585.598.3963 x373 | kristen.ryan@kidney.org

Register or Donate Today!

Strike Out Kidney Disease Awareness Night Brings Kidney Health Education to More Than 10,200 Fans

Together, we can advance kidney health and improve patient outcomes!

WOW! On Saturday, June 13, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) serving Upstate NY, our local chapter of the Council on Nephrology Social Workers, and the Rochester Red Wings teamed up to Strike Out Kidney Disease! 

A special pre-game awareness moment brought the NKF mission directly onto the field! Seven individuals representing NKF, healthcare professionals, advocates, patients, and the broader Rochester community stood together to symbolize the statistic that 1 in 7 adults is living with kidney disease. Accompanied by a "Know Your Numbers" message, the presentation encouraged fans to understand their risk factors for kidney disease and take proactive steps to protect their kidney health. The evening also featured a ceremonial first pitch by a member of the local kidney community, adding a meaningful and personal connection to the event's message of awareness, prevention, and hope.

The awareness message extended throughout the game with stadium-wide "Know Your Numbers" Jumbotron displays highlighting that 1 in 7 adults has kidney disease, 90% are unaware they have it, and common risk factors including high blood pressure and diabetes. Fans were encouraged to know their numbers, talk with their healthcare providers, get tested, and protect their kidneys.

Throughout the game, the NKF resource table served as a hub for community engagement and education. Fans received information on CKD prevention, living with kidney disease, transplantation, and healthy eating on a budget while participating in fun, interactive activities!

Thank you for helping us Strike Out Kidney Disease! 

 

Interested in learning more, or getting involved? Contact Chelsey Frail, Program Director!

 

Free Community Program: Becoming a Living Donor

Thank you for attending!

Thank you all who attended our inaugural Becoming a Living Donor community education program! Participants learned how to connect with a transplant center, what to expect throughout the living donor evaluation, and heard living donors share their stories. 

Please check back here for upcoming community education programs; reach out to Chelsey Frail, Program Director; and follow us on Facebook!

2026 Honors Awards Benefit

Thank you for your impact!
Our 10th Annual Honors Awards Benefit was a beautiful and powerful reminder of what's possible when our community comes together. 
 
To our sponsors, donors, volunteers and every guest who joined us ... 
THANK YOU for your generosity. 
THANK YOU for your compassion. 
THANK YOU for making a difference.
 
Together, we advance the National Kidney Foundation's mission and our promise that no one faces kidney disease alone. 

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION + RESOURCES

 

Renal Roundtable Programs

Renal Roundtables are locally-based professional education programs featuring compelling presentations and roundtable discussions with renowned experts in the field, allowing for sharing of case studies, common experiences, and best practices.

Renal Roundtables are non-accredited programs, intended for healthcare professionals, specifically physicians and advanced practitioners. Lecture and dinner are complimentary, but registration is required.

 

Want to be kept up-to-date on upcoming Renal Roundtables and other professional events in Upstate and Western New York? 
Email Chelsey Frail, Program Director.

Upcoming Renal Roundtables

 

Thursday, August 20, 2026
Location: Albany, NY

Further details and registration coming soon!


Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Location: Rochester, NY

Further details and registration coming soon!

Stay tuned for additional Renal Roundtables in 2026! We hope to see you there!

NKF PERC

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

NKF 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
Become a Member today

Upcoming Professional Education


Thursday, October 29, 2026

Join us for a day-long professional education symposium for the Upstate and Western NY dietetic community!

Title: 22nd Annual Meeting of the Upstate and Western New York Council on Renal Nutrition
Location: Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, 8315 Park Rd., Batavia, NY 14020

Registration and additional information coming soon! 

Contact Chelsey Frail, Program Director, with any questions.

Want to be kept up-to-date on upcoming professional education events in Upstate and Western New York? 
Email Chelsey Frail, Program Director.

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

Visit NKF Cares Online
Need support? You're not 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! 

Visit NKF Peers Online
Make Connections!

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
Join a Community

SEASONAL RECIPES FOR KIDNEY DISEASE

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 min. / Cook Time: 20 min.


Ingredients:

  • 2 (29-oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes – no salt added
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ cup macaroni, dry
  • 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Yield: Serves 10
Prep Time: 20 min. / Cook Time: 0 min.


Ingredients:

  • 8-oz (1 ½ cups) dry orzo pasta
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 (15.5-oz) can low sodium chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3-oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 15 kalamata olives, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Yield: Serves 12
Prep Time: 30 min. / Cook Time: 45 min.


Ingredients:

  • ½ cup non-fat cottage cheese
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 fresh eggs
  • 1 cup fat-free lemon yogurt
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup Splenda
  • 1¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup blueberries
     
Visit our Nutrition Hub!

GET INVOLVED + SUPPORT OUR MISSION!

 

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.

Volunteer!

By volunteering, YOU make a difference in the lives of people impacted by kidney disease right here in our community. 

Search for Volunteer Opportunities and Sign Up to Volunteer in the link below!

Contact Kristen West Ryan
585.598.3963 x373 | kristen.ryan@kidney.org

Sign Up to Volunteer!

Go Casual for Kidneys!

"Orange you glad to raise awareness?!"

Host a dress-down day fundraiser at your workplace! Bring colleagues together, wear orange, and raise critical funds in support our mission to make a difference for our local Kidney Community!  

Contact Kristen West Ryan to get started!
585.598.3963 x373 | kristen.ryan@kidney.org

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 Kristen West Ryan, Development Director | kristen.ryan@kidney.org

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

Join a growing network of corporate partners dedicated to making an impact! Whether through sponsorship, employee engagement, corporate volunteerism, or philanthropic support, there are many ways to get involved, underscore your company’s commitment to the health of our community, and make a direct impact on the lives of those affected by kidney disease in our region!

Contact Kristen West Ryan, Development Director, to learn more about creating a partnership that aligns with your organization's value and objectives!
kristen.ryan@kidney.org | 585.598.3963 x373

Local Office

1344 University Avenue
Suite 270
Rochester, NY 14607
United States

Email: infoupny@kidney.org
Fax: 585.319.3997
Phone: 585.598.3963
Google Map
Local Staff & Board

Upcoming Events