NKF Serving Upstate and Western New York

Smiling Kidney Walkers and Volunteers

JOIN THE 2026 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 Kidney Walk 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 "talk Kidney Walk," or learn more about fundraising, volunteering, or partnership opportunities? 
Contact Kristen Ryan | 585.598.3963 x373 | kristen.ryan@kidney.org

National Kidney Foundation resource table with staff and volunteers

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!

 
Living Donor Program Image

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 guest photos and sponsor logos

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!

NKF Professional Education Resource Center

NKF’s Professional Education Resource Center (PERC) is designed for professionals committed to continuing their education and improving patient outcomes. 

Access NKF PERC to find activities (virtual and in-person) including courses, events and other engaging content on an array of carefully selected topics given by renowned faculty.

NKF PERC is designed for professionals committed to continuing professional development and improving patient outcomes. Here you will find activities on an array of carefully selected topics given by internationally renowned faculty.

Check NKF PERC regularly for new activities and content!

Upcoming In-Person 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.

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

NKF Kidney Professionals Hub

Find the education, tools, and resources you need to improve your practice, and keep updated on the latest in clinical research, including:

  • continuing education opportunities
  • NKF Spring Clinical Meeting information
  • KDOQI clinical practice guidelines
  • patient education materials
  • eGFR calculator
  • podcasts
  • and much more!

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

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! 

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

NKF NUTRITION HUB

Nutrition is key to managing kidney disease and your overall health. Learn more about food and your kidneys, access delicious recipes, find a dietitian!, and much more! Visit the NKF Nutrition Hub today!

SEASONAL KIDNEY-FRIENDLY RECIPES

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 20 min

Yield: 10 servings

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

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Yield: Serves 12

Ingredients:

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

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 26 min

Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients:

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

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

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

hero circle

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, Senior Development Director | kristen.ryan@kidney.org

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP

Join a growing network of corporate partners throughout Upstate and Western NY 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, Senior Development Director
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

Upcoming Events