Kidney disease affects millions of Americans, but support extends far beyond the doctor's office. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) serving Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas is launching a comprehensive approach to patient empowerment that combines education, financial assistance, and community connection to help people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on dialysis or awaiting transplants achieve their personal goals .

What Support Programs Are Available for Kidney Disease Patients?

The NKF offers multiple pathways for patients and families to access information and build connections with others facing similar challenges. These programs recognize that living with kidney disease involves more than managing medical symptoms; it requires emotional support, practical education, and access to resources that help patients maintain quality of life and pursue their aspirations.

• Wellness Empowerment Program: Free quarterly webinars featuring healthcare professionals and patient testimonies, designed specifically for kidney disease patients, family members, and care partners to learn about CKD basics and treatment options.
• First Steps to Transplant: A beginner-friendly educational event walking participants through kidney failure, treatment options, different types of transplants, and what to expect from evaluation through surgery, with real patient stories included.
• NKF Cares Help Line: A trained specialist support line available in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, offering personalized guidance for patients, families, and care partners.

How Are Scholarships Helping Kidney Disease Patients Pursue Education?

Financial barriers often prevent kidney disease patients from pursuing post-secondary education. The NKF addresses this challenge through the Culpepper Exum Scholarship, made possible by the generosity of nephrology social worker Beth Witten in memory of her brother . This scholarship is specifically designed to help two deserving individuals on dialysis or kidney transplant recipients achieve their educational aspirations and complete their post-secondary education goals. Award recipients must be residents of Kansas or Missouri. The 2025/2026 academic year award recipient has already been selected, and the 2026/2027 scholarship application will become available in January 2026 .

By removing financial obstacles to education, the scholarship program recognizes that kidney disease patients deserve the same opportunities as their peers to build careers and improve their economic futures. This support acknowledges that managing a serious health condition while pursuing education requires additional resources and encouragement.

What Community Events Connect Kidney Disease Patients?

Beyond clinical support, the NKF creates opportunities for patients and families to connect, celebrate progress, and raise awareness about kidney disease. These events serve dual purposes: they provide social connection and community building while also advancing the mission to fight kidney disease through education and fundraising .

• Kidney Walk Events: The nation's largest walk to fight kidney disease, held in nearly 60 communities nationwide, with local events scheduled in St. Louis (September 27, 2026), Kansas City (October 11, 2026), and Wichita (October 18, 2026), raising awareness and funds for lifesaving programs.
• Jazz by Candlelight Concert: A celebration of progress in kidney disease treatment held in St. Louis, featuring live jazz, recognition of kidney community leaders, and an educational Kidney Education Hour about programs and innovations in kidney care.
• Great Plates Magic of Giving Celebration: A culinary event in Kansas City on April 30, 2026, featuring local chefs competing for awards while raising funds and awareness for kidney disease initiatives.
• Camp ChiMer: An overnight summer camp for children ages 9 to 18 undergoing dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant, celebrating its 40th anniversary July 31 through August 2, 2026, providing traditional summer activities in a medically supervised, supportive environment.

How Can Healthcare Professionals Stay Current on Kidney Disease Treatment?

The NKF also supports nephrology professionals through the Renal Roundtable program, which brings together nephrologists and advanced practice clinicians for collegial exchange and professional development. These locally-based events feature presentations and roundtable discussions with nationally renowned experts on cutting-edge issues relevant to kidney disease practice. Upcoming sessions include "From Lab to Clinic: The Inauguration of Human Kidney Xeno-transplant Trials" on March 26, 2026, featuring Dr. Vineeta Kumar from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and "Two Organs, One Shared Responsibility: A Joint Approach to Kidney and Heart Health" on April 9, 2026, featuring Dr. Rupla Mehta from Northwestern Medicine .

Ways to Get Involved in Kidney Disease Advocacy and Support

• Volunteer Opportunities: Join local volunteer efforts supporting kidney disease programs, events, and patient services in Kansas, Missouri, or Arkansas by contacting the NKF directly.
• Share Your Story: The NKF actively seeks personal experiences from kidney transplant recipients, living donors, and people with kidney disease to inspire hope in others facing similar journeys.
• Committee and Board Involvement: Interested individuals can join committees or learn about board of advisor positions to help shape kidney disease advocacy and community programs.
• Sponsorship and Partnership: Organizations can become community partners or sponsors of NKF events and programs, expanding their reach and impact in the kidney disease community.

The comprehensive approach taken by the NKF reflects a growing recognition that kidney disease management requires more than medication and dialysis. Patients need education to understand their condition, financial support to pursue their goals, emotional connection to others facing similar challenges, and access to the latest treatment innovations. By combining these elements, the NKF is helping kidney disease patients and their families not just survive, but thrive .