The National Kidney Foundation of Arizona celebrates 60 years of vital kidney programs throughout our state!
Who We Are
Our Beginnings: The Arizona Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NKF AZ) was originally, and for many years, the Arizona Kidney Foundation -- a term still fondly used by long-time friends. Back in 1963, dialysis was very new and very expensive. This financial burden of up to $25,000 a year was far out of reach for the majority of patients. So, the mission of the foundation was rooted in raising the funds necessary to make treatment available and affordable to more patients.
With much hard work, while raising the funds to dialyze patients, it also became possible to obtain equipment and train patients and a family member to dialyze at home. This was shortly before the community dialysis concept was developed.
Present Day
In 1972, Medicare became available to help with treatment and transplant costs. With that wonderful change brought the opportunity to help our kidney community in other important ways, such as rides to/from dialysis, medication, even eviction prevention – parts of their lives or their family budgets that are deeply impacted by this chronic disease.
Today, direct patient aid remains the heart of our mission and programs. But as we’ve grown, we have addressed kidney disease in many more ways. Free community health screenings. The Erma Bombeck Organ Donation Awareness Project. A professional conference for professionals in the kidney space. Public education about early detection. Each program forms another arrow in the quiver against chronic kidney disease.
Our Partners
These vital programs would not have endured for six decades, had it not been for the support of our community and partners. Our deepest gratitude to the individuals, families, foundations and corporations who have supported this mission throughout the years. The need only increases, and you have been there alongside us. Our kidney community is eternally grateful for 60 years of the community's investment in kidney patients.
