Latest news with #LaVarneA
Business Upturn
08-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Provide Aid to Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients Impacted by Flooding in Texas Hill Country
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has activated its Disaster Relief Program to assist dialysis and post-transplant patients living in areas that have been impacted by the devastating floods in central Texas. AKF's Disaster Relief Program is the nation's only rapid-response system that provides emergency financial aid to dialysis and recent transplant patients. The catastrophic flooding struck on Friday on the Guadalupe River near Kerrville killing more than 100 people and causing extensive damage. Evacuation is particularly challenging for people who need to receive dialysis treatments three times per week. 'We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of life and devastation in Texas,' said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. 'In this time of great need, people living with kidney failure are particularly vulnerable, as they rely on dialysis treatments and specific medications and foods to maintain their health. AKF is ready to provide critical assistance to Texas patients who have been impacted by this disaster.' Emergency grants of $250 are available for dialysis and post-transplant patients living in the following counties in Texas: Kerr, Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson and Tom Green. Disaster relief grants help patients with low incomes replace lost medications and kidney-friendly foods (which may be spoiled due to power outages), pay for temporary housing and transportation to treatment, and replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the natural disaster or the need to evacuate with little to no notice. To donate in support of AKF's disaster relief efforts for the Texas floods, visit AKF's website. AKF covers the administrative costs of this program so that 100% of donations may go directly to patients in need. People with kidney failure are more susceptible to difficulties during a natural disaster, as interruptions to dialysis treatments can put them at risk for being hospitalized. AKF has developed a resource page for patients impacted by the floods, which can be accessed here. AKF has been providing emergency disaster financial assistance to kidney patients throughout all the major disasters that have struck the United States and its territories for the past three decades. Last year, AKF distributed more than 1,600 disaster relief grants totaling nearly $420,000 to people affected by hurricanes and severe storms. Dialysis and recent kidney transplant patients who need emergency financial aid should contact a social worker at their dialysis or transplant clinic for information on applying for aid or apply directly at About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of the 1 in 7 American adults living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through post-transplant living. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 96 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. For more information, please visit or connect with AKF on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Associated Press
08-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
American Kidney Fund Activates Disaster Relief Program to Provide Aid to Dialysis and Post-Transplant Patients Impacted by Flooding in Texas Hill Country
ROCKVILLE, Md., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has activated its Disaster Relief Program to assist dialysis and post-transplant patients living in areas that have been impacted by the devastating floods in central Texas. AKF's Disaster Relief Program is the nation's only rapid-response system that provides emergency financial aid to dialysis and recent transplant patients. The catastrophic flooding struck on Friday on the Guadalupe River near Kerrville killing more than 100 people and causing extensive damage. Evacuation is particularly challenging for people who need to receive dialysis treatments three times per week. 'We are heartbroken to hear about the loss of life and devastation in Texas,' said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. 'In this time of great need, people living with kidney failure are particularly vulnerable, as they rely on dialysis treatments and specific medications and foods to maintain their health. AKF is ready to provide critical assistance to Texas patients who have been impacted by this disaster.' Emergency grants of $250 are available for dialysis and post-transplant patients living in the following counties in Texas: Kerr, Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson and Tom Green. Disaster relief grants help patients with low incomes replace lost medications and kidney-friendly foods (which may be spoiled due to power outages), pay for temporary housing and transportation to treatment, and replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the natural disaster or the need to evacuate with little to no notice. To donate in support of AKF's disaster relief efforts for the Texas floods, visit AKF's website. AKF covers the administrative costs of this program so that 100% of donations may go directly to patients in need. People with kidney failure are more susceptible to difficulties during a natural disaster, as interruptions to dialysis treatments can put them at risk for being hospitalized. AKF has developed a resource page for patients impacted by the floods, which can be accessed here. AKF has been providing emergency disaster financial assistance to kidney patients throughout all the major disasters that have struck the United States and its territories for the past three decades. Last year, AKF distributed more than 1,600 disaster relief grants totaling nearly $420,000 to people affected by hurricanes and severe storms. Dialysis and recent kidney transplant patients who need emergency financial aid should contact a social worker at their dialysis or transplant clinic for information on applying for aid or apply directly at About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of the 1 in 7 American adults living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through post-transplant living. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 96 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. For more information, please visit or connect with AKF on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Nancy Gregory American Kidney Fund (240) 292-7077 [email protected]
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American Kidney Fund Launches Kidney Cancer Education Campaign
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ahead of World Kidney Cancer Day on June 19, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) today announced a new educational campaign on renal (kidney) cancer. With support from Merck, this campaign will provide people with kidney cancer and their families and caregivers easy-to-understand information and support. Kidney cancer accounts for 4% of all cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). About 80,000 people are diagnosed with some type of kidney cancer annually, and there were more than 675,000 people living with kidney and renal pelvis cancer in 2022, according to NCI. 'AKF is dedicated to helping people facing any type of kidney issue, including the numerous forms of kidney cancer that can damage these vital organs and spread to other organs,' said AKF President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton. 'We are grateful to Merck for their support in expanding these resources to help thousands of people living with kidney cancer.' As part of the campaign, AKF has developed new educational resources including a Talk-to-Your Doctor downloadable guide and an animated explainer video on kidney cancer. New resources are also available in Spanish. Additionally, AKF has enhanced its existing content on clear and non-clear renal cell carcinoma as well as non-renal cell tumors and other kinds of kidney cancer. The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is further divided into clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and non-clear cell renal carcinoma (ncRCC). Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is also known as conventional renal cell carcinoma because it is the most common type of kidney cancer, making up 8 out of 10 cases of adult kidney cancer. Non-clear cell renal carcinoma (nccRCC) is an umbrella term for other kinds of renal cell carcinomas. There are more than 15 types of nccRCC. While doctors do not know what causes kidney cancer, there are some factors that can increase someone's risk of developing it. These include smoking, being overweight, having high blood pressure, having a family history of kidney cancer, having certain inherited or genetic diseases, and long-term treatment for kidney failure. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 96 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. For more information, please visit or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. CONTACT: Nancy Gregory American Kidney Fund (240) 292-7077 ngregory@
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American Kidney Fund's Kidney Health for All™ Health Equity Media Campaign Expands to More Communities Nationwide
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Kidney Fund (AKF) has launched the next phase of its national Kidney Health for All™ media campaign, connecting millions more people with resources to help prevent kidney disease in high-risk populations. Part of AKF's Kidney Health for All™ health equity program, the media campaign first launched in 2024 to raise awareness about kidney disease prevention and management among Black and Hispanic/Latino people who are at greatest risk of kidney failure. In the U.S., the prevalence of kidney failure among Black people is more than four times that of white people, while the prevalence of kidney failure in Hispanic or Latino people is more than twice that of non-Hispanic white people, according to the U.S. Renal Data System. 'Our mission in launching Kidney Health for All was simple: to help ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, ethnicity or background, can access the tools and information they need to help prevent and effectively manage kidney disease,' said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. 'Our critical work to address health disparities is ongoing, and we are grateful for the continuing support of all those who have joined in our efforts to fight kidney disease on all fronts.' The media campaign employs TV, streaming and radio PSAs, digital advertising, and videos in primary care offices nationwide. It also features ads on billboards and public transportation in metropolitan areas with high rates of kidney disease; these billboards and public transit ads have now expanded to eight additional markets, for a total of 16: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Washington, D.C.; Birmingham, Alabama; Columbia, South Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis, Tennessee; Richmond, Virginia; and Sacramento, California. AKF's Kidney Health for All health equity program addresses four areas of kidney health: prevention and awareness, increasing use of home dialysis, diversifying participation in clinical trials and increasing access to transplant. As part of this work, AKF established and convened the Health Equity Coalition in 2021. This coalition is comprised of organizations, patients and caregivers and helps guide the development of evidence-based programs and resources for AKF's patient and professional audiences. Since the launch of the program, AKF has developed a number of award-winning resources, including Your Guide to Kidney Transplant and the Home Dialysis Decision Aid, with more resources for people living with kidney disease and those at risk coming soon. AKF has also created a health equity training program, which connects advocates to each other, teaches effective advocacy techniques, helps attendees develop an understanding of health equity impacting people with kidney disease and empowers attendees to advocate for laws, policies and regulations that impact the kidney community. Additionally, AKF is now in its second year of its Kidney Health Coach (KHC) Health Equity Grant program, which helps expand the reach and impact of KHC by empowering organizations and coaches across the country to reach at-risk communities and spread health messaging in chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention and management. So far, AKF has awarded 48 coaches and eight organizations with grants. AKF's Kidney Health for All program can be viewed at Kidney Health for All is supported by Presenting Sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly and Company and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Equity Sponsors AstraZeneca, Merck and Co., Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Sanofi and Travere Therapeutics. About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. For more information, please visit or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. CONTACT: Nancy Gregory American Kidney Fund (240) 292-7077 ngregory@
Business Upturn
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
The American Kidney Fund's ‘A Step Ahead of IgA Nephropathy' Campaign Provides New Resources for Patients Living with IgA Nephropathy
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, on IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) proudly announces the creation of new educational resources for 'A Step Ahead of IgA Nephropathy,' its newly updated educational awareness campaign. Developed by AKF with financial support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Novartis), this new educational content will help people living with IgA nephropathy and their families and caregivers better understand and manage this rare kidney disease. IgA nephropathy is a rare disease that causes inflammation and damage to the kidneys. Over time, this damage reduces the organs' ability to filter waste and fluid from the bloodstream, which can eventually lead to kidney failure. While there is no cure for IgA nephropathy, there are treatments to help treat the disease and slow the damage to the kidneys, potentially delaying or preventing kidney failure. 'We are very pleased to expand our IgA nephropathy campaign with new resources to help patients better understand this rare kidney disease,' said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. 'With support from Novartis, we can provide more information and new tools to help IgAN patients stay 'a step ahead' of their diagnosis and live healthier lives.' As part of this expansion, AKF has updated the 'A Step Ahead of IgA Nephropathy' campaign webpage. The updates provide more information about proteinuria—protein in the urine. The new resources will also include a downloadable guide about proteinuria progression and an animated explainer video about proteinuria. To further share these resources and raise awareness of IgAN, AKF will also have an Instagram takeover day on June 18 for the campaign. The 'A Step Ahead of IgA Nephropathy' campaign is part of AKF's ongoing work to increase awareness and understanding of rare kidney diseases and ensure people with rare conditions have access to critical resources. In 2024, AKF launched the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network (RKDAN), a new advocacy network working to ensure the voices of people living with rare kidney diseases are heard and amplified to impact change on the policy level. In its first year, RKDAN focused heavily on issues faced by people living with IgA nephropathy and brought 23 patients to Capitol Hill to advocate for two bills that would significantly improve research, treatment and diagnosis of rare kidney diseases. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and it has received 24 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator as well as the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. For more information, please visit or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
