Who is at higher risk for chronic kidney disease? Diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease and obesity are all common risk factors. If you're at risk of kidney disease, it's important to keep an eye on your kidney health and take steps to protect your kidneys.

Today is #WorldDiabetesDay. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. The damage caused by diabetes usually occurs slowly, over many years. You can take steps to protect your kidneys and to prevent or delay kidney damage.

Philip Bellis of Forestville, NY, is in need of a kidney donor. He has type O blood and is listed with the transplant center at ECMC. Phil is a 43-year-old father of five who adores spending time with his family.

Rachel Kijek-Miller of Hamburg, NY, needs a kidney transplant. She has type A blood and is listed with ECMC. Rachel is an animal lover. She enjoys cooking, entertaining and spending time with family. #KidneyStories #KidneyDonorNeeded

The NY State Department of Health has announced the launch of the Living Donor Support Program to help cover some expenses associated with living donation. These can include travel expenses, lost wages, dependent care expenses and certain unreimbursed medical costs. www.health.ny.gov/professional...

Patients awaiting an organ can now list at multiple transplant centers in New York State! www.kfwny.org/post/new-yor...

David Carberry lives in Hamburg, NY. He has blood type “AB” and is waiting for a kidney transplant. Dave is listed at ECMC. He shared his story with the Kidney Connection: kidneyconnection.org/my-story-Dav...

Researchers successfully converted a kidney’s blood type. The science is still in the early stages, but it could someday help reduce wait times for patients needing kidney transplants. www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/s...

Farm workers have a higher risk for kidney disease and a new study points to exposure to high heat and agricultural chemicals. www.usnews.com/news/health-...

Emergencies can happen at any time—and for dialysis patients, being prepared is not just important, it’s essential. Having a clear and personalized emergency plan can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and continued care. aakp.org/staying-safe...

Bobbie Shepherd is celebrating a special milestone this week: 50 years with her transplanted kidney! The Ohio resident received the donated organ at age 7. Check out her inspiring story: www.10tv.com/article/news...

Controlling diabetes is an important way to protect kidney health. Niagara County is offering a free six-week diabetes self management workshop starting Oct. 20. Check it out! www.niagaracounty.gov/news_detail_...

Are you considering a kidney transplant? Join the National Forum of ESRD Networks on Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a free 1-hour webinar to learn about the reality of this life-changing surgery.

The Kidney Foundation of WNY joins in celebrating Nephrology Nurses Week from Sept. 14-20! #NNW25 #NephNurseStrong

The death rate from hypertensive kidney disease increased by 48% in the U.S. over the past 25 years, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions last week.

Today is #PKDAwarenessDay 💚💙 Learn more about polycystic kidney disease and help spread the word!

Erie County Medical Center reported that 11 life-saving transplants were performed at ECMC in August, adding, "Thank you to our donors and their families for their selfless gift of life." #DonateLife #KidneyTransplant

Just 1 in 3 people know that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, according to a recent survey commissioned by the American Kidney Fund.

When 14-year-old Joana’s life was turned upside down by end-stage renal failure, her mother stepped forward without hesitation. Marina donated a kidney to her daughter in 2013, sparking nine years of thriving life for Joana despite initial challenges and rejection scares.

Considering home dialysis? The National Forum of ESRD Networks will host a free webinar Tues., Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. Nephrologist Ramin Sam, MD, will discuss the modality. Patients & a care partner will share personal successes & experiences with home dialysis. tinyurl.com/HomeDWebinar

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. More than 100,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list. Members of racial and ethnic minorities make up 60 percent of those waiting. Every day, an average of 13 people die waiting for a transplant. www.kfwny.org/post/nmdam2025

John Cole of Buffalo is hoping for a kidney transplant from a living donor. He is working with the transplant center at ECMC and has type O blood.

🚙 “Every great road trip needs pit stops, and right now-l'm at one." I've got a lot of miles left in me, but I need a kidney to keep driving forward. Can you help me? One donation can save my life. I’m O negative and currently on ECMC waiting list.

The Kidney Wellness and Transplant Support Group will be having their next meeting in-person at ECMC, 3rd floor in Conference room C beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 17. Questions? Call 716-898-5450 or email spelino [at] ecmc [dot] edu www.facebook.com/share/15zK7c...

When frequent flyer Bruce Gamble needed a kidney transplant, Delta customer service agent Jill Hickey of Birmingham decided to get tested as a living donor. CNN has their story: www.cnn.com/2025/07/14/t...

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults limit their sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. Many people with Chronic Kidney Disease need to limit their sodium even more. Your health care professional can determine your sodium limit, based on your kidney health.

Here are *some* of the cases of nutritional supplements that the Kidney Foundation of WNY delivered this week for people on dialysis. We also assisted patients with transportation, groceries and other urgent needs. #KidneyHealth #Dialysis

Jeff Griffin, along with family and friends, took part in the Walk for Kidney Health on June 22. The group walks in memory of Griffin’s late wife, Margaret, who passed away in March 2022 due to calciphylaxis, a rare disease with no known cure. www.post-journal.com/news/communi...

The Walk for Kidney Health on June 22 was a huge success! We're grateful to everyone who contributed, volunteered and came out to show support for our local kidney community. Thanks to Turner Dirrigl of Meet Media for creating an awesome video showcasing the event. youtu.be/qwO0sctePCg?...

We can't wait to see you at the Walk for Kidney Health on Sunday morning!

Attention runners: The 5K for Kidney Health is Sunday, June 22! Register at www.kfwny.org/walk

The Walk for Kidney Health is Sunday, June 22! Sign up today at www.kfwny.org/walk to join us at the Buffalo Outer Harbor. Participation in the walk itself is free and a great way to show your support for people with kidney disease.

Greg Casamento, a member of the Jamestown High School Class of 1969 and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, is in need of a kidney transplant. www.post-journal.com/news/top-sto...

Yesterday alone, the Kidney Foundation distributed cases of specially formulated drinks to six people on dialysis at five clinics around WNY. #KidneyHealth #dialysisnutrition

The Walk for Kidney Health is Sunday, June 22 at the Buffalo Outer Harbor. We can't wait to see you there! Visit www.kfwny.org/walk to register.

The Living Donor Protection Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators @kirstengillibrand.bsky.social (D-NY) and Tom Cotton (R-AR). The bill (S.1552) is aimed at removing barriers to living organ donation. www.kfwny.org/post/senator...

May 6-12 is Nurses Week! The theme “The Power of Nurses” highlights our appreciation for nurses’ unparalleled impact and their contributions to health care. Be sure to thank a nurse this week! #nationalnursesweek #ThePowerOfNurses

Join the Walk for Kidney Health at the Buffalo Outer Harbor on Sunday, June 22. Register for free at www.kfwny.org/walk

When kidney function decreases, the body cannot get rid of as much extra potassium and levels may rise. 5.1 is National High Potassium Awareness Day. Are you O-K+? www.areyouok.org

National High Potassium Awareness Day is coming on 5.1. Are you O-K+? The American Association of Kidney Patients wants you to learn more about high potassium (hyperkalemia) and the safe range of blood potassium level. www.areyouok.org

How do I get a kidney transplant? A helpful video from TransplantInfo.com youtu.be/oSKr6VnpjUc?...

Pediatric Transplant Week is focused on ending the pediatric transplant waiting list & honoring pediatric donors and families. More than 2,170 kids in the U.S. are awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. Most pediatric patients – more than 1,200 – are waiting for a kidney. #KidsTransplantWeek

Kidney Connection Looking for Living Donors for Six New People on Transplant List A local nonprofit website and organization is looking to help six people in the local area who recently joined the list on their website of people in need of a kidney transplant. www.post-journal.com/news/top-sto...

Tom Fries of Depew is seeking a living kidney donor. Tom’s family describes him as the kind of person who lights up a room with his humor and laughter. “Whether he is cracking jokes or telling stories, he is always managing to make people smile,” they said. www.kfwny.org/post/tom-fri...

NEW: A life-saving but long-stalled program to reimburse kidney donors will start within a few months. Following reporting from New York Focus on the agency’s continued failure to follow the law, Department of Health officials committed to a timeline.

A proposed law would allow people waiting for an organ transplant to be listed at more than one transplant center in New York. The state has prohibited multi-listing since 1990. Advocates say the change would shorten waiting times for transplant candidates. www.kfwny.org/post/nys-con...

Living Donor Day is April 2, 2025. Celebrate the lifesaving gifts made by living kidney donors! Living organ donors can save the lives of family members, friends or even strangers. Last year, more than 7,000 people in the U.S. became living organ donors. Most - 6,418 - gave a kidney.

Darlene Morganti, a mom and grandma from Lakewood, NY, received a lifesaving kidney transplant in 2020. Her kidney came from a living donor through UPMC. Her son Michael Morganti, a Jamestown Police Officer, gave one of his kidneys to a Pennsylvania man as part of a living donor kidney exchange.

Raymond Marcolini of Niagara Falls, NY, is in need of a kidney donor. Ray is a loving husband, a caring father and a wonderful papa to his three grandchildren. He has type O blood and is working with the transplant team at Erie County Medical Center. kidneyconnection.org/my-story-Ray...

Shyteize Major of Buffalo is hoping for a kidney from a living donor. The 29-year-old was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 16 and is now working with the transplant center at ECMC. www.kfwny.org/post/shyteiz...