American Kidney Fund

The 37 Mile Challenge in May is happening NOW! Join our virtual community of inspiring people all getting active and raising funds to help the 37 million Americans with kidney disease, like Joe, Senior Business Analyst/QA Team Lead, with Orases! Q: How does your work with Orases tie into AKF? What impact did you feel it had? A: "I worked with AKF to discover what version 2.0 of their GMS platform would need to look like and how it would work. This is the platform that is used to provide grant funding to dialysis and transplant patients. It allows AKF to configure grant programs that patients and renal professionals can apply for." Q: Do you have a personal connection to kidney disease? A: "I wanted to participate in the 37 Mile Challenge because I am a kidney donor myself and have seen the impact of dialysis on loved ones." Q: What do you wish others knew about AKF and the 37 Mile Challenge? A: “I’d like people to know more about the difficulties that those 37 million people experience and understand more about the impact that dialysis has on individuals and their families.” Thank you, Joe, for your support and for helping us spread awareness about the 37 million Americans with kidney disease. And, thank you, Orases for your support of the Spring 37 Mile Challenge! Join Joe and join the 37 Mile Challenge in May: https://bit.ly/4aBLqHh

As we come to an end of the nation’s first APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease Awareness Day, we would like to thank Vertex Pharmaceuticals for generously supporting AMKD Awareness Day, Natera for additional support, as well as the following organizations that are helping to raise awareness about AMKD: Acclinate, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), American Society of Nephrology, Arkana Laboratories, The Balm In Gilead, Inc., Black Health Matters, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, Glomerular Disease Study and Trial Consortium, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Kidney Health Initiative, Kindness for Kidneys International, Inc, Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, National Association of Genetic Counselors, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. HQ, National Health Council, National Kidney Foundation, National Minority Quality Forum, National Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation Multicultural Action Group, NephCure, PALADIN of Tufts University, Renal Pathology Society, Renal Physicians Association Save the date for April 29, 2025!

Today marks the first annual APOL-1 Awareness Day, a milestone made possible by the unwavering support of organizations such as American Kidney Fund and NephCure, whose dedication to kidney health and patient advocacy lights our path forward. 🌟 Over the past month, we've explored the powerful stories that unite us, engaged with the science that educates us, and amplified the advocacy that strengthens us. I am grateful for the engagement and support from each of you—your involvement has fueled essential conversations and spread crucial knowledge. Reflecting on our journey, it’s clear that understanding our genetic risks is about embracing our heritage and safeguarding our future. Let's maintain the momentum we've built and continue to advocate for health, awareness, and change. A big thank you to all who have listened, contributed, and participated in this campaign. Let’s keep moving forward and driving positive change. #APOL1Aware #AMKDAwarenessDay #HealthAdvocacy 🌍 #AmericanKidneyFund #Nephcure Joshua Albright Jaime Albright

Today, we celebrate a very huge milestone —The first annual APOL1 Awareness Day! 🌍💚 This day marks our collective dedication to raising awareness and understanding of APOL1-related Kidney Diseases, particularly within communities of African descent. I recently returned from an inspiring trip to West Africa, where I had the incredible opportunity to engage directly with local communities and other Kidney health experts about the importance of genetic health awareness. It was a profound experience to share knowledge and learn from the stories of those most affected by APOL1 genetic risks. My trip was a huge blessing and I will always remember the beautiful souls I connected with and the love and support they gave me. My journey does not stop here. As we observe this important day, let’s renew our commitment to health education and advocacy. I want to thank the American Kidney Fund, NephCure and KDIGO for helping me spread so much awareness for APOL1 this month. Together, we can make a lasting difference and move mountains in the Kidney World🌍 #APOL1Aware #AmericanKidneyFund #Nephcure #AKF #HealthAdvocacy

Today we recognize the nation's first AMKD Awareness Day! The American Kidney Fund is raising awareness of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), a type of kidney disease associated with variants in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene that is linked to an increased risk for rapidly progressing kidney disease in people of west or central African ancestry. Find out more about AMKD and how you can get involved by visiting https://lnkd.in/gEzX4km4 #healthequity #nationalminorityhealthmonth #NMHM2024

Today we recognize the nation’s first AMKD Awareness Day! People who are from or have ancestors from west or central Africa are at increased risk of having a mutation in one or both of the genes that causes APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). It is estimated that 13% of Black Americans have two mutations of the APOL1 gene, and these individuals have a 1 in 5 chance of developing a rapidly progressing form of genetic kidney disease. Become #APOL1Aware by learning more about AMKD and join the @American Kidney Fund in AMKD Awareness Day: kidneyfund.org/APOL1aware American Kidney Fund Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Today is the nation’s first AMKD Awareness Day! Did you know that an estimated 13% of Black Americans have two mutations of the APOL1 gene? APOL1 gene mutations are found in people of western and central African descent, and these individuals have a roughly 1 in 5 chance of developing APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). Because AMKD is a rapidly progressing form of genetic kidney disease, genetic testing is important for those of certain African descent who have nondiabetic kidney disease or a family history of kidney disease. Become #APOL1Aware by learning more about AMKD and join in AMKD Awareness Day: https://bit.ly/3IgH4sl

Don’t miss this morning’s session on APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) at the National Minority Quality Forum Leadership Summit! Watch the livestream to hear about how our genes impact kidney health and contribute to health disparities. Moderated by AKF President and CEO LaVarne Burton, this discussion features panelists Dr. Margaret Collins, Barbara Harrison, Emani McConnell-Brent and Janice Whaley. Tune in at 11:15AM ET and be #APOL1Aware: https://bit.ly/44jNcdv

TOMORROW: Tune in to the 2024 National Minority Quality Forum Leadership Summit livestream at 11:15 a.m. ET for a session on APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). AKF President and CEO LaVarne Burton will be joined by panelists Dr. Margaret Collins, Barbara Harrison, Emani McConnell-Brent and Janice Whaley to discuss the importance of increasing awareness and recognition of AMKD. Join us and become #APOL1Aware: https://bit.ly/44jNcdv

1 in 5 Black Americans with two variations of the APOL1 gene have a chance of developing kidney disease. In fact, it is estimated that a significant proportion of kidney disease diagnoses in people of western and central African ancestry are attributable to APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). Learn more about AMKD and help your patients, colleagues, or community become #APOL1Aware with AKF’s AMKD Awareness Day toolkit: https://bit.ly/3ITpD1o