The modern National Kidney Foundation: broad scope, clear vision, better lives

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation is very broad, going well beyond what its name implies. The Foundation works for, cares about, and represents millions of Americans, from the child who wets the bed to the diabetic with hypertension to the grandfather on dialysis. It is dedicated to making lives better through a variety of educational programs for patients and their families as well as physicians, social workers, nurses, dietitians, technicians, administrators, and clinical and transplant coordinators. It supports research, promotes organ and tissue donation, provides direct services to patients, and advocates for patients through public policy and legislative initiatives. Its programs aid people at risk of kidney and urinary tract disease, individuals affected by these diseases, living organ donors and families of donors, and recipients of all types of lifesaving organ and tissue transplants.